Life as a member of a royal family must be grand, especially inside a gorgeous palace. Several of the world’s most opulent structures are now museums. Some are the residences of kings and queens who are only figureheads. Yet others are the seat of their country’s rulers.
The House of Habsburg started in the 11th century. The powerful family lineage evolved into rulers of Austria and several other European countries, including the Holy Roman Empire, until 1918. In 1279, Austrian monarchs began ruling from Vienna. During the next 600 years, their small castle grew into a palatial estate. Hofburg Palace has over 2.5 million square feet of space in 2,600 rooms within 18 wings! Today, Hofburg Wien is a disjointed network of museums. Since WWII, Hofburg has also been the office and official residence of Austria’s president. Frankly, Hofburg Palace can be difficult to navigate. This guide will walk you around several of the major structures. Your first stop is St. Michael’s Wing. Emperor Charles VI commissioned this project in 1730. The Baroque design of architect Joseph Emanuel Fischer von Erlach was not finished until 1893. St. Michael’s Wing served as a ball room and then a theatre. Below this magnificent 164 foot dome are three museums. One displays the Imperial Silver Collection. The Sisi Museum showcases the personal effects of Elisabeth of Austria, the wife of Emperor Franz Joseph I and Austria’s longest reining empress (1854 – 1898). You can also visit the former royal couple’s 24 room Imperial Apartments.
Michaelerplatz 1, 1010 Wien, Austria
Twin fountains welcome you to the courtyard in front of Schönbrunn Palace. This eastern Ehrenhofbrunnen was sculpted by Joseph Baptist Hagenauer in 1776. The configuration represents the former Empire of Austria regions of Galicia, Lodomeria and Transylvania. Before entering the palace, let’s have a brief history lesson. Where you are standing was an abbey named Katterburg in the 14th century. In 1569, Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II purchased the property. His transaction began a 350 year ownership by the Austrian House of Habsburg. Maximilian II and his descendants used the acreage as a private hunting preserve for over a century. It was renamed Schönbrunn meaning beautiful spring in 1642. In 1683, the country house (châteaux de plaisance) was destroyed by the Turks. The initial Schönbrunn Palace was built from 1696 until 1700. From 1743 until 1780, Empress Maria Theresa significantly expanded the summer residence and gardens. Most of what you see today resulted from her flamboyant imagination and excessive spending. After her death, few members of the royal family used the palace until Franz Joseph I of Austria (1830 – 1916). Two years later, his successor, Charles I, was dethroned and fled the palace. Since 1918, this architectural gem has been a museum owned by the Republic of Austria.
Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria
The Royal Palace of Laeken was built in 1784 by the Governors of the Habsurg Netherlands when Belgium was under Dutch rule. However, after the Belgian Revolution in 1830, which gave the country their independence, it became the residence of their first king, Leopold I. Ever since, it has been the official home of the King and Queen of the Belgians. The public does not have access to it or the huge park called Royal Domain of Laeken where it is located.
Avenue du Parc Royal, 1020 Bruxelles, Belgium
Whether you are arriving or leaving Rio de Janeiro by plane or ship, you are likely to catch a glimpse of the fairytale appearing Fiscal Island. The palace was built in 1889 with a Gothic-Provence design. Toward the end of that year, this was the scene of an extravagant ball hosted by the Empire of Brazil for up to 5,000 elite guests. In less than a week, the monarchy of Pedro II of Brazil fell in a military coup. This event created the foundation for the First Brazilian Republic. Today, Ilha Fiscal is a small museum operated by the Navy of Brazil. In the background is the Santos Dumont Airport, Rio’s second largest.
Ilha Fiscal - Centro, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, Brazil
Visible from the Mekong River is the opulent Royal Palace complex in Phnom Penh. This home to the Cambodian kings was initially constructed in the 1860s. Walled in with the Khemarin palace is the Silver Pagoda, the Moonlight Pavilion and the Preah Thineang Dheva Vinnichay Mohai Moha Prasat or Throne Hall for short. It was rebuilt in 1917 and is used for royal ceremonies. On top of the 193 foot golden spire is the image of Brahma, a Hindu god and father of all humans.
This was Chile’s national royal mint when it opened in 1805. La Moneda means “the coin.” Forty years later, the building was converted into the president’s residence. Today, it serves as the offices for the president and several cabinet ministries. The grassy area is called Plaza de la Constitucíon. The commons was added during the 1930s. The Neoclassical style of Palacio de La Moneda was designed by Joaquín Toesca. He was a prolific architect who served the Spaniards in Santiago during the second half of the 18th century.
Moneda S/N, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile
During the 19th century, the First Sister Hill was occupied by the Callao Military Fort. Then in the 1920s, two grand buildings were constructed on top of what became Castle Hill. One of them was commissioned by Carlos Ibáñez del Campo. The former president’s 7,400 foot summer residence is Castillo Presidencial. The second is Castillo Burnet. But before Rafael Brunet Brown could finish, he sold it to Nicolás Yarur Lolas. This is why it is also referred to as Yarur Palace. Burnet Castle is now the holiday retreat of the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Iberia 104, Viña del Mar, Región de Valparaíso, Chile
Forbidden City is the must see attraction in Beijing. Constructed in the early 15th century, this former home to 24 emperors showcases almost 1,000 exquisite examples of Chinese palatial architecture. From 1420 until 1912, you could not enter the property without permission from the emperor. But after the end of the Qing dynasty, the 180 acre complex opened in 1925 as the Palace Museum. Now this UNESCO World Heritage Site welcomes about 16 million visitors a year, making it the world’s number one tourist attraction. One beautiful example of why Forbidden City is so popular is this view of the Gate of Supreme Harmony with marble balustrades reflecting on Inner Golden Water River. On the right are the Gate of Manifest Virtue (Zhaode men) and the Lofty Pavilion (Chong lou).
Meridian Gate, Dongcheng Qu, Donghuamen Rd, Beijing Shi, China, 100006
From 1358 until 1808, Dubrovnik was the center of the Republic of Ragusa. Its territory was called Dalmatia. It had a geographical footprint similar to the coastal areas of today’s Croatia. The republic’s functioning governor was the Rector. The original Rector’s Palace was built and rebuilt during the 15th century and after earthquakes in 1520 and 1667. It is now the Museum of Dubrovnik’s History Department. To the left are the Gradska Kavana or Town Café, the City Hall (Vijećnica) and the Bell Tower.
Ul. Pred Dvorom 3, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
The former Presidential Palace houses the Museum of the Revolution. Most of the exhibits tell the history of the Cuban Revolution. “The Movement” was an organized resistance led by Fidel Castro and his brother Raúl aimed at overthrowing the dictator President Fulgencio Batista. In 1952, they began recruiting rebels and collecting arms. The clash on July 26, 1953, resulted in Castro’s arrest and a 15 year sentence. After his release a couple of years later, Castro led several guerrilla attacks – mostly with devastating results to the rebels – until the last major battles at the end of 1958. Batista fled the country on January 1, 1959. Visit this fascinating museum to learn more Cuban military and political history.
Refugio #1, La Habana, Cuba
In 1448, Count Christian I became the king of Denmark. To celebrate the 300th anniversary of Danish rule by the House of Oldenburg, King Frederick V commissioned the design of four identical mansions for noble families. The project in Frederiksstaden – the district is now collectively called Amalienborg – was acquired by the king and queen in 1794 when their Christiansborg Palace was destroyed by fire. The palaces still serve as winter residences for the royal family.
Amalienborg Slotsplads 7 1257 København K, Denmark
There have been two castles and three palaces that have stood here on an island appropriately called Slotsholmen meaning Castle Islet. The first was built by Bishop Absalon in 1167. The current Christiansborg Palace was built in 1928. It houses all three executive branches of the Danish government including the offices of the Supreme Court and the Prime Minister. Christiansborg Palace is also used by the royal monarchs on special occasions. The spire reaches a height of almost 350 feet.
Christiansborg Slotsplads 1218 København K, Denmark
Denmark is blessed with several palaces and castles. Most are far more elaborate than the Fredensborg Palace. Yet, this seasonal royal residence can best be described as elegant. Many call it the Danish Versailles. The 89 foot dome is flanked by four copper-roofed pavilions. Stretching between them is a sandstone balustrade with a clock in the middle. The statue in the courtyard is only a hint of the 70 life-sized sculptures adorning the beautiful garden in back. Tours of the palace are only available in July but the garden is free to visit all year.
Slottet 1B, 3480 Fredensborg, Denmark
National Palace is the contemporary architecture highlight of the Dominican Republic. Its Neoclassical design was crafted by Guido D’Alessandro. This grand, 190,000 square foot edifice was commissioned by Dictator Rafael Leónidas Trujillo Molina. Construction began in 1944 on the 100th anniversary of the country’s independence. Palacio Nacional was finished three years later. Beneath the 112 foot dome are the offices of the Executive Branch including the president and vice president. The National Palace is the epicenter of the central government’s Distrito Nacional (National District).
Presidencia de la República Dominicana, Av. Mexico, Santo Domingo 10217, Dominican Republic
Baron Francisco Luis Héctor de Carondelet was a governor of the Spanish colonies of Louisiana and West Florida in the late 18th century. Then he was appointed by the Spanish Empire to be President of the Real Audiencia de Quito. During his term from 1799 until 1807, a collection of royal houses were transformed into an opulent mansion. Simón Bolívar, The Liberator of several Latin American countries, gave it the name Carondelet Palace. Located along Independence Square, the Presidential Palace has been the residence and offices of Ecuador’s leaders since the early 19th century.
Chile & Venezuela Streets, Quito 170401, Ecuador
Behind this front gate emblazoned with the United Kingdom’s Royal coat of arms is Buckingham Palace. It was constructed in 1703 as the home for John Sheffield, the Duke of Buckingham. Over 100 years later, King George IV hired architect John Nash to convert Buckingham House into a palace. Victoria was the first monarch to make it her official residence after becoming queen in 1837. Buckingham Palace’s 775 rooms and 830,000 square feet of floor space accommodate Queen Elizabeth II, members of the Royal Family and Her Majesty’s administrative staff. A major tourist attraction is the changing of the guard. The 45-minute ceremony starts about 11:30 but does not occur every day.
Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA, UK
Windsor Castle has been the residence of monarchs since Henry I in the early 12th century, making it Europe’s oldest palace still in use. The State Apartments define the northern side of The Quadrangle in the Upper Ward. Seen here are the official entrance, St. George’s Hall and the guest entrance. These lavish accommodations were begun by Edward III in the 14th century and transformed by architect Hugh May for Charles II in the 17th century. They were further enhanced during the reign of King George III (1760 – 1820). Then his son and successor, George IV, hired Jeffry Wyatville to embellish the rooms in an array of architectural styles. Queen Elizabeth II frequently spent weekends here, as well as a month around Easter and one week in June during the service of the Order of the Garter. The Royal Standard is raised above the Round Tower whenever the monarch is in residence.
Windsor SL4 1NJ, UK
In 1820, this building at Market Square began as a wealthy merchant’s home. The mansion became the governor’s residence in 1837 and later the Imperial Palace of Helsinki. After a major renovation gave the façade a Neoclassical appearance, the palace was used occasionally by Russian tsars and their families from 1854 through 1915. During WWI, the historic site was a hospital, military headquarters and ministry office. Once Finland declared independence, the Presidentinlinna became an official residence for the President of Finland.
Mariankatu 2, 00170 Helsinki, Finland
It is so exciting to be standing next to the Louvre Pyramid and Pavillon Richelieu in the Napoleon Courtyard of the Palais du Louvre. Formerly a palace, the museum opened in 1793. It now has a collection of over 35,000 pieces spread across 14 acres of space. The Musée du Louvre welcomes nearly ten million visitors a year. Most people want to catch a glimpse of its famous resident, Mona Lisa.
10 Place du Carrousel, 75001 Paris, France
The Palais de Chaillot is a two-winged building that was built for the 1937 World’s Fair. Today, it houses The Naval Museum (Musée de la Marine), the Museum of Man (Musée de l’Homme) and an Architecture Museum, plus a 1,200 seat theater (Théātre National de Chaillot). However, when most tourists reach the Chaillot Hill, their primary focus is the view of the Eiffel Tower from the terraced Trocadéro gardens and fountains then down a long esplanade and across the Seine.
7335 Avenue des Nations Unies, 75116 Paris, France
The Palais Rohan, shown here along the Quai Au Sable facing the Ill River, was built in the 18th century by a bishop of Strasbourg. The Rohan Palace has welcomed several prominent guests including King Louis XV of France, Queen Marie Antoinette and Napoléon Bonaparte, the Emperor of France. Today it houses the Imperial Museums of Archeology, Decorative Arts and Fine Arts. In the background is the north bell tower of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg.
Palais Rohan 2 Place du Château, 67000 Strasbourg, France
What started as a royal hunting lodge of Louis XIII in 1623 evolved into the magnificent Château de Versailles. The palace was the prized residence of French monarchs until 1789 when Louis XVI was forced to flee at the start of the French Revolution. This is the opulent Marble Courtyard. The square greets visitors with the promise of more grandeur behind the golden façade. In back of the palace are elaborate gardens and the petit appartement of Marie-Antoinette. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is definitely worth the train ride from Paris.
Cour de Marbre, 78000 Versailles, France
The House of Wittelsbachhe was a dynasty that ruled Bavaria (plus occasionally other European countries) from the 11th century until 1918 when Ludwig III was deposed as the king of Bavaria at the end of World War I. The first building on this site was built in 1385. The complex evolved through the mid-19th century. At the peak, the Residenz Royal Palace contained 130 rooms within several wings plus ten courtyards. This 820 foot structure is Festsaalbau (Banqueting Hall). It was commissioned by King Ludwig I and finished in 1842. Inside were the throne room, reception halls, a concert venue and an elaborate theatre. Today, Munich Residenz functions as a museum. Highlights of your tour will be the royal apartments, the Cuvilliés Theatre and the Treasury containing centuries of family jewels and collectables.
Residenzstraße 1, 80333 München, Germany
The Palace of Saints Michael and George was commissioned by Sir Thomas Maitland when he became the Lord High Commissioner of Ionian Islands. The City Palace was designed by British architect Sir George Whitmore and was finished a few months after Corfu’s governor died in 1824. It then became the residence of successive High Commissioners. Since 1927, it has served as the Museum of Asian Art.
Palea Anaktora, Kerkira 491 00, Greece
The Hulihe’e Palace was built in 1837 by the governor of the Island of Hawaii. It was passed on through generations and became the frequent guest house for vacationing royalty such as King Kamehameha III. When King Kalākaua purchased it, he and Queen Kapi’olani called it Hikulani Hale which translates to House of the Seventh Ruler. Since 1927, it has been a museum managed by the Daughters of Hawai’i.
75-5718 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
‘Iolani Palace in Honolulu is the only former royal residence in the United States. It also has the distinction of being the only building with an American Florentine design. The palace was built in 1882 for David Kalākaua. He was the last king of the Hawaiian Islands until his death in 1891. Queen Lili’uokalani also ruled the Hawaiian Kingdom from here after her brother’s death. Two years later, she was dethroned and imprisoned in the palace. The monarchy officially ended in January of 1895. Since 1978, ‘Iolani Palace has been a museum.
364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813
Beginning in 1740, this Baroque building behind the ornate, wrought-iron fence served as the residence for the Bishops of Eger and later for Catholic archbishops. The palace is now a museum displaying religious artifacts, artwork, vestments and furniture. Most of the exhibited items are from the 18th and 19th century. A few treasures date back about 1,000 years. The recently restored Archiepiscopal Palace is located along Széchenyi Street, the town’s main, pedestrian-only shopping neighborhood.
Eger, Széchenyi István utca 3., 3300 Hungary
In 1255, Florence’s oldest public building, Bargello Palace, was the headquarters for the Captain of the People and, in the 16th century, the Captain of Police. This stark, fortified building served as a prison until, in 1865, it became the Museo Nazionale del Bargello. Inside is a wonderful collection of famous Italian statues, including several by Michelangelo.
Via del Proconsolo, 4, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Palazzo Pitti derives its name from the original owner, Luca Pitti. The banker commissioned the elaborate home in 1458. A century later, it was sold to the Duke of Florence, Cosimo I de’ Medici. He expanded the mansion into a palace in order to accommodate his guests. The extravagant property remained the Medici family residence until the dynasty ended in 1737. Today, Pitti Palace is home to the city’s largest museum of Renaissance and modern art. You can also see the royal apartments where the Medici family lived. And do not miss the Boboli gardens in back.
Piazza de' Pitti, 1, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
You are now standing in front of the ninth largest palace in the world. Palazzo del Quirinale contains nearly 1.2 million square feet of space across 1,200 rooms! Since its completion in 1583, it has been the residence of thirty popes, four kings and a dozen presidents. Today, Quirinal Palace is one of three homes of the Italian Republic presidents. You will definitely want to tour the lavishly appointed rooms, halls and apartments. Then wander through the ten acre gardens featuring blooming plants, fountains and sculptures. But plan ahead. Tickets must be reserved at least five days in advance.
From here, the Encircle Rome – One tour heads west. If you want to connect with the start of Encircle Rome – Two, then walk two blocks north along Via del Quirinale.
The Doges of Venice were the political and military leaders of the republic for 1,100 years from 697 until 1797. This opulent Venetian Gothic palace was started in 1340 to be the home for the doge plus his governmental council and law courts. The Palazzo Ducale was not finished until 1442. If you look closely above the exquisite arcades and loggia, you will see the sculpture of Doge Francesco Foscari kneeling below the winged lion of Saint Mark.
Piazza San Marco, 1, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy