(Excerpt from http://www.actilingua.com/AboutVienna/sights/schoenbrunn_palace.htm)
Schönbrunn Palace with its surrounding buildings and the huge park is one of the most significant cultural monuments in Austria. The castle was build to rival French Versailles in Baroque beauty and importance but House Habsburg lacked funds to outdo its rivalling nation France. In earlier times it served as summer residence to various Habsburg rulers. Emperor Franz Joseph (ruled 1848-1916), who was born here in 1830, spent the last years of his life entirely in Schönbrunn. In 1918, the palace became the property of the new republic. Due to this historical importance, its beautiful location and its gardens this palace is one of the very top sights in Vienna. Tour the magnificent apartments of Maria Theresia, her sitting rooms, bedroom and the parlour in which 6 year old Mozart used to play for the Empress, as well as the parlours and apartments of Imperial couple Franz Joseph and Sissi. The interior is an orgy of frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers, huge mirrors and gilded ornaments. When you are a tad tired after visiting almost 40 rooms bear in mind that you have seen less than 3% of the residence's 1441 rooms!
