Schönbrunn, Vienna

f you go on a trip to Austria, you certainly have to visit the world-famous Schonbrunn Palace and Park – one of the most significant cultural monuments ever built. Simply take a look at Schonbrunn’s exquisite gardens, taking up an area of 197 acres, and you will discover an impressive combination of flower arrangements and architectural features, a product of the ambition of great architects and of human aspiration to beauty and harmony. 

Originally a game park, the estate came into Habsburg possession through Maximilian II in 1569. Maximilian II expanded the park area and transformed it into an imposing residence, which housed the families of the Habsburg rulers and their successors for decades ahead. In 1612, the name of the estate was changed from Katterburg to Schonbrunn. The story goes that during one of his hunting trips, Emperor Matthias came across a “Schöner Brunnen” (the German for beautiful spring) which gave the name of the castle. 

However, it was during Maria Theresa’s reign (1740-1780) when Schonbrunn acquired its modern appearance, as we see it today. It is said that Maria Theresa had a special fondness for the palace and its gardens which definitely influenced the construction of this masterpiece. Since our interest is pointed towards parks and gardens, let’s concentrate on the history and design of Schonbrunn’s majestic green areas. The process of building of the park can be divided in four main stages:

• Expansion of the original game park (during Maximilian II’s reign)
• Construction of an artificial park after the French Baroque model (done by Jean Trehet around 1700)
• Overall plan and design by the architects Nicolaus Jadot and Adrian von Steckhoven (1753-1775): flowerbeds, trimmed trees, plants, alleys, etc.
• Sophistication and introduction of new elements by Ferdinand von Hohenberg (1775-1780) such as the Neptune Fountain, the Roman Ruin and the Gloriette

The last-mentioned three architectural elements are the most impressive ones in the park of Schonbrunn. On a hill behind the palace stands the Gloriette, a triumphal arch which consists of a central section and two lateral wings. A spiral staircase leads the visitor to a twenty-meter-high platform which offers a panoramic view of the park and the surroundings. 

At the foot of the hill is located the Neptune Fountain featuring the water god Neptune holding his trident. Right next to him is a sculpture of Thetis kneeling down and begging for a safe voyage of her son, Achilles, to Troy. 

Near the Neptune Fountain is the monument of the Roman Ruin, a masterful imitation of an ancient ruined place. Remnants of statues, unreadable inscriptions and reeds around the pool nearby the monument create an authentic ruined and abandoned site. It is believed that this place is Carthage – a town on the north coast of Africa defeated by Rome. It is said that the Habsburgs were so impressed by the power of the Roman Empire that they wanted to have it symbolically re-created in their park. 

When talking about Schonbrunn, there is one thing we cannot miss – the Schonbrunn Tiergarten. Built in 1751, it is the oldest zoo in the world that is still operating and attracting millions of visitors each year. 

The story goes that during one of his hunting trips, Emperor Matthias came across a “Schöner Brunnen” (the German for beautiful spring) which gave the name of the castle. 

The monument of the Roman Ruin is believedto be Carthage – a town on the north coast of Africa defeated by Rome. It is said that the Habsburgs were so impressed by the power of the Roman Empire that they wanted to have it symbolically re-created in their park. 
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Image copyright © Orlin Zhekov, Student Team Member

Top-left image copyright © 1990 Harrie de Vries:
Large cast-iron glashouses