April 26, 2011

[MyWorld] Schönbrunn Palace

Some people can escape the hot city life in summer to a small cabin by the lake (just saying). Other people go to a summer residence on a massive acreage. Like the 1400-room Schönbrunn Palace in Austria. But you'd have to be royalty.

 Vienna, 2011

Between the palace and Neptune Fountain are 32 statues of deities and virtues. And behind the fountain, still farther up on the hill, is a rather useless structure, in my opinion, called Gloriette, designed and built to glorify Habsburg power. Today it is a café serving the throngs of locals and tourists ambling the grounds.


Looking back down from the fountain you get a better picture of the size of this palace. Contrast it to the buildings in the city behind it.


The history of this imperial summer residence goes back to 1569. It holds various  styles of large gardens, an arboretum and a forest that was used as a hunting ground.  But the only animals I saw wouldn't be of much interest to hunters. Oh, and there is a children's zoo that I did not enter.



Call me crazy, but given a choice (and I've been told I do have a few drops of blue blood in my veins), I'd take the cabin. The trappings associated with this life are much too restrictive for my tastes.

And this was part of my world this week, so I am linked with MyWorld Tuesday where many others share a peek into their corner of the world.

26 comments:

Sylvia K said...

It is a gorgeous castle and fascinating history! Your photos are superb as always, Francisca! I have to agree with you, I'll take my vacation in a cabin -- afraid I wasn't made for such a restrictive life! Hope your week is going well!
Enjoy!

Sylvia

Lesley said...

This is certainly not to my taste, either, but it is nice that the public can now enjoy everything.

EG CameraGirl said...

I'd take the cabin too. :) But I do enjoy seeing how the rich live. I'm not envious, just curious. :)

Kay L. Davies said...

I always love your photographs, Francisca. They're so crisp and clear. I guess royalty has to have castles and palaces and glori-whatsits, but I agree with Sylvia. Their lives weren't necessarily enviable.
-- K

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

Ms. Becky said...

I'm with you. thought the buildings and grounds are regal and luxurious, I would prefer the cabin in the woods on a river or lake. thanks for sharing your world!

Penelope Notes said...

That is an incredibly massive structure, especially in contrast to the buildings it is overlooking. Possibly a common size for royal homes. However, the more luxurious the more responsibility that is often required. I don’t think it is always easy being a royal. But it might be fun playing the part for a day or so.

eileeninmd said...

What a gorgeous place, lovely photos. Your view of the palace and grounds are beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

Rajesh said...

Beautiful place. Very lovely views of he place.

Photo Cache said...

how nice it is to call this your home :). just kidding. hoped your easter was wonderful.

Anonymous said...

Wow - that is huge and impressive. But I prefer a cabin by the lake...

Carolyn Ford said...

I visited here so many years ago...quite an amazing place, but, I guess it's unanimous on this post that the cabin by the lake is the place to be! I'd go with that decision in a heart beat!

Ebie said...

What a huge summer place! The bright yellow tulips complimented the color of the castle.

I would love to see how lavish is the interiors.

Happy Easter!

Oakland Daily Photo said...

OMG! Looking at these photos gave me flashbacks. Was in Vienna a gazillion years ago and visited this palace. Had forgotten about that until this moment. Thanks for the memories!

biebkriebels said...

Did you visit the palace? I remember a stunning diningroom with an endless table full of porcelain. Love to see the pictures, thanks for sharing!

Francisca said...

@biebkriebels... no, the day was just too nice for me to go inside. I'm sure it's all magnificent to ogle too.

cieldequimper said...

Lovely photos of my childhood! I lived in Gloriettegasse for 4 years!

Kaori said...

I adore the statue on the right! And the view from the fountain is fabulous! Although I think I'm more intruged by all that grass than the building itself. I think I'll take the cabin, too. Especially if it's by a lake ;D

Anonymous said...

Lovely photos!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Very interesting architecture and I love learning history as I look at your beautiful pictures.

I did a post about a castle earlier this week. Florida castles definitely lack something. Well, quite a lot of things actually...starting with good taste ;>)

Thanks for the tour of the real thing.

genie said...

This is one impressive mansion, and that one shot really shows the viewer just how bid it really is. Awesome. I agree with you...I would take the cabin, too. Here I would have to walk to far to get from point A to point B.

Halcyon said...

Very beautiful! But I'm with you, I also prefer the cabin by the lake.

H said...

I'd go for the cabin every time; or even my tent as long as it was somewhere beautiful and quiet! I do enjoy looking at historic architecture, but I would hate the 'royal' lifestyle!

Pat Tillett said...

A beautiful place, but some people have too much money and too much power!

Unknown said...

Beautiful! Believe it or not I've never been to Vienna...

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