September - 2014
Schönbrunn Palace - Vienna
Schönbrunn Palace (German: Schloss Schönbrunn) is a major touristic attraction site of Vienna. It is often compared to the Palace of Versailles, due to its beauty. It is a big complex, composed of the palace and many other attractions:
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Großes Parterre: this is the name of the huge garden behind the palace;
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Gloriette: the building at the top of the 60 m high hill;
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Neptunbrunnen (Neptune Fountain): a fountain located between the Gloriette and the palace;
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Römische Ruine (Roman Ruins): originally known as the Ruin of Carthage;
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Tiergarten: a zoo;
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Palmenhaus: the largest botanical exhibits of its kind in the world, with around 4,500 plant species from all world;
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orangery.
The palace was considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, as a remarkable Baroque ensemble and example of synthesis of the arts. The 1,441-room Rococo palace is one of the most important architectural, cultural and historic monument in the country. It was used as summer residence of the emperors of Austria in the past. Nowadays the palace is used as museum and the general public has access to 40 of its 1,441 rooms.
 Front entrance of the Schönbrunn Palace complex |  Fountain close to the entrance |  Front view of the palace |
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 Horse rides for tourists |  Interior of 1 of the 40 rooms available for visitation |  Back view of the palace |
Behind the main palace is located the Großes Parterre, a huge garden. It reaches out until the Obelisk (also known as Sun Fountain). On its sides are located a maze, 32 sculptures representing deities and virtues, and other attractions like the Lichte Allee, its main corridor; the Reservegarten and the Statue in Bei der Kaiserfigur.
The main attraction of the Großes Parterre is its central area, with numerous drawings formed with very well cared and colorful flowers, which extends for hundreds of meters.
Following the Großes Parterre is the Neptunbrunnen (Neptune Fountain).
Finally following behind the Neptunbrunnen, there is a 60 m high hill that ends at the Gloriette. It is possible to reach the top of the Gloriette for a panoramic view of the palace and Vienna behind it.
