The Hofburg was orignially a medieval castle, but today only
the castle chapel ('Burgkapelle') demonstrates its medieval
past.
The Hofburg was extended to a magnificent residence when the
Habsburg's power increased. That's why one can find almost any
architectural style, from gothic to art nouveau. Nowadays this
enormous complex is home to "Österreichische Nationalbibliothek"
(National Library), "Schatzkammer" (Imperial Treasury),
and houses a collection of musical instruments, another collection
of weapons, a "Museum für Völkerkunde" (Museum
of Ethnography) and famous "Spanische
Hofreitschule" (Spanish
Riding School).
Vienna's
Imperial castle also houses exotic butterflies in a marvellous
art-deco glass house!
Vast "Heldenplatz" (sqare of heroes), situated next
to it, is very impressive, too. Equestrian statues of Archduke
Karl, who won the battle of Aspern against Napoleon's troops
(1809), and Prince Eugene of Savoy, who defeated the Turks,
attest to Austria's glorious past.
"Heldenplatz"
is more than a square, it is one of Austria's symbols of national
identity.
By the way: Sunday Mass at the medieval chapel is an excellent
opportunity to listen to the angelic voices of unrivalled Vienna's
Boys Choir!
Hofburg Innerer Burghof/Kaisertor, A-1010 Vienna
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