The Hofburg, Vienna

The Hofburg is a marvelous reminder of Austria's Imperial past, and of Vienna as a European center. Built during the thirteenth century and expanded with the centuries, the Hofburg is considered one of the largest palace complexes in the world. Until 1918, the Hofburg used to be the imperial palace of Habsburgs, a powerful royal house that ruled for seven centuries. The Habsburg family used to live in these palace complexes who also serve at the seat of the Habsburg's emperors' government.

The Hofburg today with its majestic gardens, hosts entrancing museums as Sisi, Ephesus, and Papyrus Museums. Also, the place is home to outstanding collections like the collection of Arms and Armor, Imperial Silver Collection, or Historic Musical Instruments. Other visitors' favorites are the Imperial Treasury, the Spanish Riding School, and the Imperial Apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth. Loyal to its original purpose as a governmental center, Hofburg is also the seat of the Federal President of Austria.