The Swiss Gate

Renaissance in red and black

Like most tracts at the Vienna Hofburg the Swiss Wing is constantly remodelled and extended over the centuries. Particularly Ferdinand, King of the Romans, who becomes Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand I in 1558, distinguishes himself in this way in the 16th century.

He has Italian painter and architect Pietro Ferabosco create the famous red and black Swiss Gate in the Renaissance style, on which Ferabosco starts work in 1552. Incidentally the term “Swiss Gate” does not become popular until the 18th century, when Swiss soldiers are serving as guards under Francis I and his wife Maria Theresa.

The inscription on the Swiss Gate lists Ferdinand’s titles as King of the Romans in homage to the owner of the palace and gives us the year the gate is erected in Roman numerals: 1552.The coat of arms at the top in the middle shows the double-headed eagle, the emblem of the Hapsburgs, framed by the Chain of the Order of the Golden Fleece. Founded in 1430 by Duke Philipp III of Burgundy (1396-1467), the selected members could not wage war without the agreement of the others and were subject to the jurisdiction of the Order. This order of chivalry still exists today.

Pietro Ferrabosco creates ornate ceiling frescoes for the Swiss Gate, upon which the coats of arms of the Austrian provinces appear. The original function of the Swiss Gate as castle gate complete with drawbridge can still be recognised by the remains of pulleys in the wall, a moat in front of the gate as well as stone lion gatekeepers.