Schloss Hof, Schloßhof, Austria - SpottingHistory.com

Schloss Hof is a palace located in Austria near the border of Slovakia. At more than 50 hectares, Schloss Hof is the largest country castle complex in Austria.

It once belonged to Prince Eugene of Savoy who purchased it late in his life in 1726, He had it enlarged in the Baroque style by the architect Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt in 1729, and used it as an elaborate hunting lodge. He left it to a niece in his will, and it was later purchased by Empress Maria Theresa of Austria and became part of the imperial estates.

Outside, there are magnificent Baroque gardens with splendid fountains and sculptures on seven terraces stepping gentle down to the March. The imperial castle sits on an idyllic estate containing nine exciting adventure walks, varied themed gardens and lots of rare breed pets, as well as an adventure playground and a leisure park for children and families with its own water playground.

With its exhibitions and numerous events for the whole family, Schloss Hof is always worth a visit. Annual highlights of the event calendar include the Easter market, the games festival, the musketeer games, the garden shows, the Pentecost fair, the camel festival, the full moon nights, the holiday fun, the horse festival and the atmospheric Christmas village in advent.

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User Reviews

J “Pipiripi” P (7 months ago)
The castle must be beautiful. I say "must" because we didnt go inside. We live in Vienna. A walk for 2 adults and 2 kids costs more than 50 Euros. Seriously. I would pay that money for visiting the palace itself. Walking around the palace shouldn't cost more than 3 euros. Abusive price and a waste of heritage as few people pay for it.

Katarzyna Wrona (7 months ago)
Beautiful place, amazingly restored always with carefully prepared seasonal decorations. Their gardener team must be led by a magician. Loooove the flower and herbs gardens. Fantastic place for families with kids - lots of animals to watch, petting zoo, great playground.

Kimball Beard (8 months ago)
Noble history, reserrected from the cold war, restored to Prince Eugene's vision. Well maintained both interior and the exterior of the palace and wonderful gardens. The domestic animals and children's play ground is more than adequate. The high quality of ridding and breading horses are priceles in their quality and health. The restaurant is very good for Vienna Coffee and Cakes, but the main dishes lack taste and flavor. I would recommend a seperate cafe from the restaurant.

Marius Zaharia (9 months ago)
Great place to spend half a day. You can combine history with some family activities (petting zoo), riding or just relax with a drink or two. Very beautiful gardens.

Evula Jónásová (9 months ago)
Beatiful plače, garden every

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Royal Palace of Naples

Royal Palace of Naples was one of the four residences near Naples used by the Bourbon Kings during their rule of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies (1734-1860): the others were the palaces of Caserta, Capodimonte overlooking Naples, and the third Portici, on the slopes of Vesuvius.

Construction on the present building was begun in the 17th century by the architect Domenico Fontana. Intended to house the King Philip III of Spain on a visit never fulfilled to this part of his kingdom, instead it initially housed the Viceroy Fernando Ruiz de Castro, count of Lemos. By 1616, the facade had been completed, and by 1620, the interior was frescoed by Battistello Caracciolo, Giovanni Balducci, and Belisario Corenzio. The decoration of the Royal Chapel of Assumption was not completed until 1644 by Antonio Picchiatti.

In 1734, with the arrival of Charles III of Spain to Naples, the palace became the royal residence of the Bourbons. On the occasion of his marriage to Maria Amalia of Saxony in 1738, Francesco De Mura and Domenico Antonio Vaccaro helped remodel the interior. Further modernization took place under Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies. In 1768, on the occasion of his marriage to Maria Carolina of Austria, under the direction of Ferdinando Fuga, the great hall was rebuilt and the court theater added. During the second half of the 18th century, a 'new wing' was added, which in 1927 became the Vittorio Emanuele III National Library. By the 18th century, the royal residence was moved to Reggia of Caserta, as that inland town was more defensible from naval assault, as well as more distant from the often-rebellious populace of Naples.

During the Napoleonic occupation the palace was enriched by Joachim Murat and his wife, Caroline Bonaparte, with Neoclassic decorations and furnishings. However, a fire in 1837 damaged many rooms, and required restoration from 1838 to 1858 under the direction of Gaetano Genovese. Further additions of a Party Wing and a Belvedere were made in this period. At the corner of the palace with San Carlo Theatre, a new facade was created that obscured the viceroyal palace of Pedro de Toledo.

In 1922, it was decided to transfer here the contents of the National Library. The transfer of library collections was made by 1925.

The library suffered from bombing during World War II and the subsequent military occupation of the building caused serious damage. Today, the palace and adjacent grounds house the famous Teatro San Carlo, the smaller Teatrino di Corte (recently restored), the Biblioteca Nazionale Vittorio Emanuele III, a museum, and offices, including those of the regional tourist board.

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