5 Palaces to Explore in Austria

Esterházy Palace in Eisenstadt is one of the most beautiful baroque palaces in Austria and presents a fascinating view of the resplendent life once lived at the court of the Princes Esterházy. The architectural history of the building involves a transition from an actual medieval castle, built for defense, to a palace meant for comfort and ostentatious display.

Franzensburg palace was built in 1801-1836 in the style of and medieval castle. It is named after Francis II, the last Holy Roman Emperor. Its interior houses the chambers of a legendary knight. This is revealed to those who enter on paintings and glass images both in the form of Emperor Franz II, the builder, and in that of Emperor Maximilian I, the "last knight".

Eggenberg Palace is the most important and biggest baroque palace in Styria and UNESCO world heritage since 2010. It ranks among the most valuable cultural treasures of Austria with its preserved accouterments, the extensive scenic gardens, as well as some special collections from the Universalmuseum Joanneum housed in the palace and surrounding park.

A majestic palace located in Marchfeld, Austria near the border of Slovakia. It once belonged to Prince Eugene of Savoy who purchased it late in his life in 1726. The Castle of Schloss Hof became the main motive of one of the most famous silver collectors coins: the Castle of Schlosshof coin. This coin was issued honouring the castle with the obverse side showing a view of the castle from the terraced garden side.

Schönbrunn Palace is one of Austria's most important cultural assets, and since the 1960s has been one of Vienna's major tourist attractions, which attracts thousands of visitors. The 1,441-room Rococo palace is one of the most important architectural, cultural, and historic monuments in the country. The history of the palace and its vast gardens spans over 300 years, reflecting the changing tastes, interests, and aspirations of successive Habsburg monarchs.