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Upper Belvedere Palace | A Glimpse into Baroque Splendor
Why is Upper Belvedere Palace Famous?
Upper Belvedere was designed by Lucas von Hildebrandt. It was used as a venue for state functions, formal fetes, and festivals throughout Prince Eugene's rule. It is one of the best examples of Baroque architecture that captures the splendour of the time.
The permanent exhibitions are displayed in the grand two-story Marble Hall, the octagonal Palace Chapel, and the other themed rooms. These exhibitions include artwork made between the Middle Ages and the Present. If you are interested in art, make sure to see the Gustav Klimt exhibition located on the Upper Belvedere's first level.
Architecture Of Upper Belvedere Palace
What’s Inside Upper Belvedere Palace?
The Grand Staircase at the Upper Belvedere Palace is a stunning white colour structure that speaks of the palace’s royalty and elegance. It is a beautiful double staircase, converging at a point which allows access to the main floor of the palace. On the left side of the staircase, you will get to see a painting of Darius’ wives standing in front of Alexander the Great, while on the right, you can see a fresco showing the defeat of Darius by Alexander the Great.
Also Read: Belvedere Palace History
The Marble Hall is truly a sight to behold and is the centre of attraction of the entire palace. Equal to a height of two stories, this grand hall has huge chandeliers and stunning frescoes on its enormous ceiling. The entire interior of the hall is made up of reddish-brown marble with lavish gildings enhancing the overall appearance of the hall. The frescoes of this hall were painted by some of the most eminent maestros such as Gaetano Fanti, Marcantonio Chiarini and Carlo Innocenzo Carlone. The Marble Hall played a significant role in the history of Austria as it is the place where delegates from four colonial countries signed an agreement that led to the country’s independence.
Must Read: Facts About Belvedere Palace
The Sala Terrana or the ground floor hall of the palace serves as the garden hall as well as the entrance to the palace. It leads to the Upper Belvedere’s garden and is also connected to the Grand Staircase. It is dominated by four huge and impressive atlases on the walls which was a unique and eye-catching way of decorating the space. Initially, the architect planned to design this as the main hall of the palace, however, it was necessary to add four pillars to support the entire structure.
Also Checkout: Belvedere Palace Inside
Also known as the, ‘The Painted Hall’, the Carlone Hall was named after the famous Italian fresco artist, Carlo Innocenzo Carlone. In 1721, Prince Eugene of the Habsburg dynasty recruited Carlone to paint frescoes on the ceilings of the hall. Considered as Carlone’s one of the finest works, he created the ceiling fresco depicting Triumphs of Aurora 1722-1723. Prince Eugene was amazed with his magic and named the hall after its creator. It is a remarkable hall which was used as a place to socialise and relax during summer.
Do Checkout: Belvedere 21 Museum
The main part of the palace which displays all the major art pieces is the permanent exhibition. This exhibition displays spectacular paintings from the Middle Ages till the present day, showcasing the transformation in the art style. You will get to witness masterpieces by eminent artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Auguste Rodin and Claude Monet. There are also some art pieces by famous artists from Central Europe such as László Moholy-Nagy, Marie-Louise von Motesicky and Frantisek Kupka. You will also come across the world-famous painting, ‘The Kiss’ by Gustav Klimt who was a renowned Austrian artist.
FAQ's
What is Upper Belvedere Palace?
Located in the heart of the city of Vienna, the Upper Belvedere Palace is a part of the Belvedere Palace. The palace was a summer residence of Prince Eugene of the Habsburg dynasty. Today, the entire palace has been converted into a museum and the Upper Belvedere is renowned for displaying the best art collections of Austria.
What can you see in the Upper Belvedere Palace?
The Upper Belvedere consists of the Grand Staircase, Marble Hall, Sala Terrana or the ground floor hall, The Carlone Hall and the Permanent exhibition. Apart from grand interiors, you will get to witness the world-famous painting, ‘The Kiss’ by Gustav Klimt who was a renowned Austrian artist. The museum also displays art pieces by Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Marie-Louise von Motesicky and Frantisek Kupka.
What is the best time to visit the Upper Belvedere Palace?
The best time to visit the Belvedere Palace is either during spring or fall as it remains less crowded compared to summer. Additionally, to avoid crowds and long queues, you can plan your visit during the weekdays instead of the weekends.
Is ‘The Kiss’ in the Upper Belvedere?
Yes, you can witness the world-famous masterpiece, ‘The Kiss’ by Gustav Klimt in the Upper Belvedere Palace. It is a gorgeous oil canvas painting of two lovers which is believed to be Klimt and his lover Emilie Flöge. The garment of the lovers is made of gold leaf and the background of the painting also has gold, silver and platinum flakes.
How much does it cost to go to the Upper Belvedere Palace?
The cost for a tour of the Belvedere Palace in Vienna starts from as low as 1,500 INR per adult. The tour includes a visit to the Upper Belvedere, the Lower Belvedere and Belvedere 21 museum.
Where is the Upper Belvedere Palace located?
The Upper Belvedere Palace is located in Vienna, Austria, within the Belvedere Palace complex. Situated in the southern part of the city, it overlooks the beautiful Baroque gardens that connect the Upper and Lower Belvedere Palaces. This iconic palace is known for its stunning architecture and art collections, including famous works by Gustav Klimt.
What are the Upper Belvedere Palace's opening hours?
The Upper Belvedere Palace's opening hours are typically from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on all days. However, hours may vary on holidays or special occasions. It's recommended to check the official website before your visit to confirm specific times. You can book your tickets in advance online to skip the long queues and save time.
Why is the Upper Belvedere Palace important?
The Upper Belvedere Palace is important for its stunning Baroque architecture and its world-class art collection. It houses iconic works, including Gustav Klimt's famous painting, “The Kiss”. The palace also holds historical significance as a former royal residence, symbolizing Austria's cultural and artistic heritage, making it a key attraction in Vienna.
How old is the Upper Belvedere Palace?
The Upper Belvedere Palace is over 300 years old. It was completed in 1723 as part of the Belvedere Palace complex in Vienna, Austria. Originally built for Prince Eugene of Savoy, the palace showcases Baroque architecture and has since become a cultural landmark, housing some of Austria's most significant art collections.
How many artworks are on display at the Upper Belvedere Palace in Vienna?
The Upper Belvedere Palace in Vienna displays around 420 artworks. Its collection includes masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, with notable highlights such as Gustav Klimt's “The Kiss”, as well as works by Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka. The palace offers a rich exploration of Austrian art history and culture.
How long does it take to visit the Upper Belvedere?
Visiting the Upper Belvedere typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. This duration gives enough time to explore the impressive Baroque architecture, view key artworks , and enjoy the palace's beautiful surroundings of the Belvedere complex.
What is the difference between the Upper and Lower Belvedere palace?
The Upper Belvedere Palace houses the main art collection, including Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss”, and features grand Baroque architecture. The Lower Belvedere Palace, originally Prince Eugene’s residence, showcases temporary exhibitions and historical rooms. The Upper palace primarily focuses on art display and the Lower Palace highlights historical interiors and thematic exhibitions.