Belvedere Palace
Ideal: Ideal for art, museum, and beautiful-space lovers.
Designed by Lukas von Hildebrandt as the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, Lower Belvedere was finished in 1716 and Upper Belvedere in 1723. Upper Belvedere now holds the world's largest Gustav Klimt collection — including The Kiss from 1908. Austria's State Treaty recognizing independence was signed on this palace balcony in 1955 and shown to the crowd from there.
Quick facts
- Built
- 1714
- Architect
- Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt
- Architectural style
- baroque architecture
- Heritage status
- Listed objects in Austria
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Did you know?
Why is Klimt's The Kiss here?
The state bought it in 1908, the year it was first exhibited, and it has stayed in Austria ever since. The Belvedere holds the world's largest Klimt collection.
Who was the palace built for?
Not for the Habsburgs: it was built as a summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy, the commander known for his victories over the Ottomans. The Habsburgs only bought it after his death.
Where was Austria's independence signed?
In the Marble Hall of the Upper Belvedere. The 1955 treaty ended Allied occupation, and the document held up from the balcony afterwards is regarded as modern Austria's founding moment.
Why go?
- To see Klimt's works and Austrian art
- For a striking walk through the palace gardens
- To experience architecture, art, and city views in one stop
Travel tip
Upper Belvedere matters most if you are here for the art collection.
