Part 10/14:
From monarchs to emperors, Vienna’s Hofburg Palace exemplifies how dynasties expand their homes over centuries. Established in the 13th century and growing to approximately 2.58 million square feet, the Hofburg comprises 18 wings, 19 courtyards, and over 2,500 rooms—each reflecting different architectural styles from Gothic to Baroque. The palace complex includes the Imperial Apartments, state rooms, chapels, and a renowned Spanish Riding School. Once home to the Habsburg emperors, today, the Hofburg is Austria’s presidential residence, also hosting museums and the national library. Its layered history narrates Austria’s imperial past through its diverse structures and interiors.