Vienna Hofburg
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The Vienna Hofburg

A fascinating ‘city within the city’

For over 600 years the Vienna Hofburg was the residence of the Austrian territorial sovereigns. From the 13th century the Hapsburgs ruled from this seat, initially as Austrian territorial rulers, from 1452 as Holy Roman Emperors and finally, from 1806, as Emperors of Austria until the end of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy in 1918.

Each ruler that lived in the Hofburg left their own personal mark and had the residence rebuilt and extended as he or she saw fit. Over the centuries the Vienna Hofburg developed into a ‘city within the city’. Today the extensive complex stretches over 240,000 m² and comprises 18 tracts, 19 courtyards, 54 staircases and 2,600 rooms. Around 5,000 people live and work here.

The Vienna Hofburg is not only the seat of the Austrian Federal President and home to the Austrian National Library, but also houses the Spanish Riding School and numerous museums. Including the Imperial Treasury, the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, the Silver Collection, the Collection of Arms and Armour, the Collection of Historic Musical Instruments, the Weltmuseum, the Ephesus Museum, the Papyrus Collection and the Albertina.

In addition, around 300 events are held in the congress and event centre at the Hofburg each year, nearly 600 if you count the OSCE conferences permanently held here. The 35 event spaces with over 17,000m² include halls of historical note such as the Festival Hall, Hall of Ceremonies, Marble Hall and Redouten Halls.

Enjoy a relaxed and informative walk through the extensive, former Austrian Imperial Residence now with your “Vienna Hofburg” guide. Have fun!

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