Belvedere palace, Vienna, Austria Short walking tour. Christmas bazar and a bit wet weather.

Dual Palaces: The Belvedere consists of two main Baroque palaces, the Upper Belvedere (Oberes Belvedere) and the Lower Belvedere (Unteres Belvedere), connected by beautifully landscaped gardens.

Princely Residence: The palaces were built in the early 18th century as the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, a celebrated military commander and art enthusiast.

Architectural Masterpiece: The architect Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt designed the Belvedere, blending Baroque architecture with elegant decorative features.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Belvedere is part of Vienna's Historic Centre, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.

Art Collection: The Upper Belvedere houses one of the most significant art collections in Austria, including works by Gustav Klimt, such as his famous painting The Kiss.

Klimt's Masterpieces: The Belvedere holds the world's largest collection of Gustav Klimt's paintings, featuring both his Golden Period works and lesser-known pieces.

Historical Importance: In 1955, the Austrian State Treaty, which re-established Austria as a sovereign state after World War II, was signed in the Marble Hall of the Upper Belvedere.

Baroque Gardens: The gardens, designed by Dominique Girard, are a masterpiece of Baroque landscaping, featuring symmetrical patterns, fountains, sculptures, and terraces.

Museums and Exhibitions: The Lower Belvedere hosts temporary exhibitions and houses the Orangery and the Palace Stables, which display Baroque and medieval art.

Panoramic Views: The Upper Belvedere offers stunning panoramic views of Vienna, making it a favorite spot for visitors to admire the city's skyline.