The Belvedere is one of those rare places that earns its reputation without overstating it. Built in the early 18th century as the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy — the military genius who helped push the Ottoman Empire back from the gates of Vienna — the complex is actually two palaces facing each other across a cascade of formal gardens, fountains, and reflecting pools. The Upper Belvedere is the grander of the two, a confident piece of Baroque architecture that was designed to project power and taste in equal measure. It worked. Standing at the top of the gardens and looking back toward the city skyline, you'll understand exactly why Eugene chose this spot.
Palace