Hofburg

Nothing symbolises the culture and heritage of Austria more than its Hofburg (Imperial Palace). The Habsburgs were based here for over six centuries, from the first emperor (Rudolf I in 1273) to the last (Karl I in 1918). The Hofburg owes its size and architectural diversity to plain old one-upmanship; new sections were added by the new rulers, including the early baroque Leopold Wing , the 18th-century Imperial Chancery Wing, the 16th-century Amalia Wing and the Gothic Burgkapelle (Royal Chapel). The oldest section is the 13th-century Schweizerhof (Swiss Courtyard), named after the Swiss guards who used to protect its precincts. The Renaissance Swiss gate dates from 1553. The courtyard adjoins a larger courtyard, In der Burg, with a monument to Emperor Franz II adorning its centre. The palace now houses the offices of the Austrian president and a raft of museums.