Vienna Day Seven: Schoenbrunn Palace and Gardens

Our final day in Vienna started with a tour of Schoenbrunn Palace. When we walked into the plaza of the palace, we were awestruck by the grandeur of this architectural masterpiece. Reminiscent of France's famous Palace of Versailles, it contains gold embellished walls, lavish decor, breathtaking gardens, and its own Hall of Mirrors.









While walking through the palace, it was enthralling to imagine what life was like for this royal family. Standing in the rooms we could feel the ghosts of the past coming to life all around us. For example, there was one room where Napoleon stayed. And in many other rooms were portraits of Marie Antoinette, the daughter of Maria Theresa. Schoenbrunn was the favorite residence of the latter, and many of its furnishings and decorations reflect her adherence to Enlightenment values.

After the palace tour, we took a leisurely stroll through the gardens and up to the Glorietta.



This monument to the notion of "just war," popular during the Enlightenment era, sits atop a hill behind the palace and offers a picturesque view of the city of Vienna and all of its wonders.