Vienna's unofficial diplomatic quarter is locked in the area around Belvedere, stretching west to Karlsplatz and east to Ungargasse. This place is a palette of different architectural styles belonging to different countries mixed with beautiful surroundings.

It is in this area that the Schwarzenberg Palace is located, behind the Socialist Realist monument to the Red Army. This imposing 18th-century palace was built at the request of Count Heinrich-Franz Mansfield, Prince Eugène's political rival. The Count's idea to erect this palace came from his desire to surpass Prince Eugène in extravagance and splendor. His next step was to purchase a property and hire an architect. The site was a plot of land just outside Belvedere, and the project was entrusted to Lucas von Hildebrand, the same architect whose services Prince Eugène had used.

The competition to prove wealth and supremacy was on - a truly impressive palace was built - the Schwarzenberg Palace, which unfortunately neither Count Mansfield nor Prince Eugène managed to see completed.

Nowadays, the Schwarzenberg Palace houses an extremely luxurious hotel and continues to be one of Vienna's greatest landmarks.

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Rating 5 from 1 voted Schwarzenberg Palace, Vienna