Bohemian crystal chandeliers and white porcelain tile stoves are also part of the harmonious design. The living quarters and offices used by Emperor Francis Joseph are simple and very unpretentious; by contrast, the state rooms and guestrooms are much more lavish. In 1772, six-year-old child prodigy Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart gave a concert in the Hall of Mirrors.

In the Round Chinese Room, Maria Theresa held secret conferences with her Chancellor, Prince Kaunitz. Napoleon met with his generals in the Vieux Laque Room. In the Blue Chinese Salon, Emperor Charles I signed his abdication of the crown in 1918, marking the end of 640 years of Habsburg dominion in Austria and the demise of the monarchy.

The Room of Millions, paneled with rosewood and decorated from floor to ceiling with priceless Indian and Persian miniatures, is probably the most magnificent Rococo room anywhere in the world. The Congress of Vienna danced in the Grand Gallery in 1814-15; today, the Austrian government gives state receptions there when important heads of state come to Austria for official visits.

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Schönbrunn Palace

13., Schönbrunner Schlossstraße
U4: Schönbrunn
U4, Tram 60: Hietzing
Tram 10, 58, Bus 10A: Schloss Schönbrunn
tel. 811 13
Palace:
April - June, Sept., Oct. daily 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
July, Aug.: daily 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Nov. - March: daily 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Children's tours: Sat, Sun, public holiday's 2:30 p.m. (tel. 811 13-239)
Park: daily until dusk
Vienna-Card Grand Tour with audio guide for 11,40 instead of 12,90 Euro
with guide 12,90 instead of 14,40 Euro

www.schoenbrunn.at