Belvedere Palace

The Belvedere Palace is a historic building complex in Vienna, Austria, consisting of two Baroque palaces, the Upper and Lower Belvedere, the Orangery, and the Palace Stables. Built in the early 18th century, it was commissioned by Prince Eugene of Savoy, a brilliant military commander of the Holy Roman Empire. The architect, Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt, designed the structures to serve as a summer residence, reflecting the Prince's immense wealth and status through intricate facades and lavish interior decorations. Following the death of Prince Eugene in 1736, the estate was eventually acquired by Empress Maria Theresa of the Habsburg dynasty. Under the Habsburgs, the palace transitioned from a private residence to a site for the imperial art collection, making it one of the first public museums in the world. The Upper Belvedere was specifically designated to house the imperial gallery, a legacy that continues today as it serves as one of Europe's most prestigious art institutions. In the 20th century, the Belvedere played a pivotal role in modern history. On May 15, 1955, the Austrian State Treaty was signed in the Marble Hall of the Upper Belvedere, marking the re-establishment of Austria as a sovereign state after World War II. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to an unparalleled collection of Austrian art, including the world's largest collection of paintings by Gustav Klimt, most notably his masterpiece, 'The Kiss'.