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Hofburg
The Hofburg Palace, or Imperial Palace, was the home of the Austrian Hapsburgs for 600 years. The first fortifications were erected by King Ottakar Premyst in the 13th century and were added to by every generation until it became the monumental structure it is today. As well as housing the president's offices, the palace now encompasses 22 separate museums, the National Library, a 14th-century Augustinian church, the famous Spanish Riding School and the Royal Chapel, where every Sunday the Vienna Boy's Choir sing Mass (they have performed for the Royal Court since 1498). It will be impossible to even catch a glimpse of everything on display at the Hofburg, so visitors should be selective. The most popular of the museums is the Kaiserappartements, which takes visitors on a tour of the Kaiser's imperial apartments. Also worth visiting is The Treasury, which houses the magnificent crown jewels, including St Stephen's Crown which dates back to the 12th century and was used to crown all Hungarian and subsequently Austrian Kaisers. The silver and Porcelain Treasury contains exquisite hand painted porcelain from all over the world.
Telephone: (01) 587 5554
Website:
Transport: U-Bahn to Stephansplatz, Herrengasse, or Mariahilferstrasse. Tram D, J, 1 or 2 to Burgring
Opening times: Imperial Apartments and Court Silver: daily 9am to 5pm; Treasury: Wednesday, and Friday to Monday 10am to 6pm, Thursday 10am to 9pm