Yesterday was a glorious day, so I decided to go see Schönbrunn Palace. It is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. It is the summer "residence" of Empres Maria Theresa (alo known as "Sisi" from the movies), wife of Franz II/I of the Hapsburg dynasty. By residence, I mean that the place was big enough to house her and her 1500-member court during the summer season. It is fabulously restored, with original floors, candelabras, silk-screened walls, etc. The grand ballroom really makes you want to start waltzing around. I honestly would have done so if there hadn't been so many people around - too much risk of bumping into someone. I MUST go back there for a concert, they have them right in that room, in period costumes no less!
Then there's the park, with a first section ultra-groomed, and side- and back sections a bit less ladscaped. Gorgeous! It will be even more beautiful when all the hedges and trees are completely leafy. I spent a good hour inside the palace, and another 3 hours in the park.
And what impressed me the most (besides the ballroom) in the whole place? It was the fact that I stood in the room where the 6-year-old Mozart gave his first ever piano recital for the Emperor and Empress!
