Hofburg Complex

  The Hapsbug Palace sits in the heart of a group of buildings that make up the "Hofburg Complex". Originally built in the 13th century, with expansions added later, this has been the documented seat of government since 1279 and home to Monarchs of the Hapsburg dynasty and rulers of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire ( some of the most powerful people in European and Austrian history). In addition to the Imperial apartments, the complex contains the Imperial Treasury, the Spanish Riding School, the Silverware collection, and the museum to Empress Elizabeth (Sisi). Today, part of this complex is the official residence and workspace for the President of Austria.

The main entrance to the complex ("the front door").

Aerial view of the Hofburg, which was the principle winter home for the Hapsburgs.

Model depicting the relationship of each unit to the whole complex.

The State dinning room (photography was not allowed within the Imperial Apartments so this was taken from an official postcard).

The centerpiece for the State Dinning Room.

The family breakfast room (man do we live wrong!).

One of the Imperial Study's.

This golden centerpiece is 35 feet long.

Interior of Empress Elizabeth's private rail car.

This gown was worn by Empress Elizabeth to the ball following her wedding.

This cabinet of gold plates is one of several rooms taking up the whole ground floor of the palace devoted to dinnerware for the Hapsburgs.

Cabinet full of elaborately decorated china.

And, of course, statuary everywhere (outside and inside).

It is impossible to truly capture the grandure and opulence of the Hofburg with just a few pictures. You really must come here to see it all for yourself. We are sure you will be as amazed by it all as we were.