Sixteen years ago a 2 week driving trip through Hungary morphed into a randow wander through Vienna, Prague and Bratislava as well as Hungary, of course. Vienna was dazzling but our time was spent in the historic centre and we did not have the opportunity to visit Schonbrunn castle on the outskirts of Vienna. I have managed to settle this unfinished business.
Built in the 17th century this Baroque masterpiece is inspired by Versailles. It has 1440 rooms of which 40 are open to the public. It was the summer palace of the Habsburgs. It was here that Mozart first performed as a child to Empress Maria Theresa. Napoleon held his war cabinet here. JFK met Kruschev there in 1962. The gardens, in season, are a work of art. Now as winter approaches the gardens are basic but the complex is majestic and beautiful.
