Hofburg

Description:

• The 15th-century imperial palace of Emperor Maximilian I was rebuilt in the baroque style (but with rococo detailing) during the 18th century on orders of Maria Theresia. The palace, flanked by a set of domed towers, is a fine example of baroque secular architecture. The structure has four wings and a two-story Riesensaal (Giant's Hall) painted in white and gold and filled with portraits of the Hapsburgs.

  Also of compelling interest within the Hofburg are the State Rooms, the chapel, and a scattering of private apartments. You can wander at will through the rooms, but if you want to participate in a guided tour, management conducts two a day, at 11am and 2pm, in a multilingual format that includes English. Each tour lasts 30 to 45 minutes and costs 29€ ($46).

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010