Lower Belvedere — Attraction in Vienna

To be clear, "the Belvedere" comprises an entire complex of both the "upper" and "lower" Belvedere and formal gardens between them. The Lower Belvedere can also be thought of (perhaps unfairly) as the "lesser" Belvedere of the two. The lower Belvedere faces the city centre and is entered directly from the street (Renweg), and it is here that you would buy your tickets and be admitted into the whole Belvedere complex. The Lower Belvedere was where construction of the complex started in the 1710s as a summer pleasure palace for Prince Eugene of Savoy, the celebrated courtier and Generalfeldmarschall of the Army of the Holy Roman Empire. Later in the 18th century it would eventually pass to the imperial family and then - following the dissolution of the Empire - the republican government. You should certainly visit the Upper Belvedere for the excellent art museum, but give the Lower Belvedere some love if you want something off the beaten track. It has a series of temporary exhibits that have featured the likes of Klimt and Dali in the recent past. One thing you should check out at the Lower Belvedere is the elegant Baroque orangery, which nowadays features parts of the exhibit. The lower palace is an excellent example of Late Baroque architecture, featuring interconnected ceremonial rooms and richly adorned interiors, including excellent ceiling frescoes depicting Prince Eugene receiving honours from the Pope himself. The red marble hall is a stand out of any visit. For something more deliciously Viennese, do check out the fanciful and mirrored "hall of grotesques". The Vienna Pass gets you into Lower Belvedere for free. Lockers and cloak room provided (they require...

The Lower Belvedere in Vienna is a magnificent part of the Belvedere complex, known for its historical and architectural charm. Originally built as a summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy in the early 18th century, it is a stunning example of Baroque architecture designed by Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt.

The building houses a series of exhibitions, often highlighting classical and modern art collections, as well as temporary thematic displays. The intricate frescoes on the ceilings, the elegant Marble Hall, and the Orangery showcase the grandeur and artistic sophistication of its era. The combination of its historical significance, artistic exhibits, and beautifully landscaped gardens makes it a must-visit destination for art and history enthusiasts.

A visit to the Lower Belvedere not only offers insights into Baroque design but also serves as a tranquil retreat with its picturesque surroundings. Tickets can often be purchased online in advance, and it’s a great idea to combine the visit with a stroll through the Belvedere Gardens, connecting the Upper and...

Records indicate that the construction of the Lower Belvedere had started by 1712, as Prince Eugene submitted the request for a building inspection on 5 July 1713. Work proceeded swiftly, and Marcantonio Chiarini from Bologna started painting the quadratura in the central hall in 1715. The ambassador from the Spanish Flanders visited the Lower Belvedere, as well as the Stadtpalais, in April 1716. Extensive work was carried out on the grounds at the same time as construction went ahead on the Lustschloss, as the Lower Belvedere was described on an early cityscape. Dominique Girard changed the plans for the garden significantly between January and May 1717, so that it could be completed by the following summer. Girard, who was employed as fontainier du roi, or the king’s water engineer, in Versailles from 1707–15, had started working as a garden inspector for the Bavarian elector Maximilian Emanuel from 1715 onwards. It was on the latter’s recommendation that he entered Prince Eugene’s employ. The statuary for the balustrade is the best known work...