Hofburg Palace - Vienna

Hofburg Palace is located on Michaelerkuppel in Vienna, Austria.  From 1438 to 1918 it was the home and power center for the Habsburg dynasty, from Rudolph of Habsburg, through Frederick III, Maximilian I, Charles V, Leopold I, Maria Theresa, Joseph II, Franz II, Ferdinand I, Franz Joseph, and finally Karl I, who renounced his association with the government in 1918 and went into exile.  The Hofburg was begun as a medievel fortress in the 13th century, complete with moat and drawbridge.  During the 16th century changes were made to the facade in the renaissance style, while the earlier towers and moat were demolished.  Changes and alterations to the palace were made until 1913, with the completion of the Neue Hofberg.  Today the complex houses 2,600 rooms, 18 wings, and 19 courtyards.  The Hofberg was the birthplace of Marie Antoinette, and the home of the Empress Elisabeth, who is honored in the Sisi Museum.  Museums in the complex also include the Imperial Apartments and the Imperial Silver Collection.  The Stallburg has been home to the world famous Lipizzan stallions since the early 1700's.        

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