This is a scenic view of the Neue Burg section of the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, with the Vienna City Hall (Rathaus) visible in the background.

CULTURAL HIGHLIGHT

Hofburg & Spanish Riding School

The former imperial palace and winter residence of the Habsburg dynasty, where today the President of Austria resides and works, has been one of Vienna’s landmarks since its building in the 13th century. During the Baroque era, the residence was modified on the ground floor
to house the imperial horses.

SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL

The Spanish Riding School in Vienna is unlike any other place in the world – truly, because nowhere else does equestrian training (haute école) exist in its original form. Audiences gather every day to witness the grace and beauty – pure poetry in motion – of the riders on their pristine Lippizaner stallions, all set to music.

Baroque architectural luminary Joseph Emanuel Fischer von Erlach completed outfitting of the riding hall in 1735. The hall’s original purpose was to serve as an equestrian training facility for aristocratic youths. The Spanish Riding School was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 2015.

You can also enjoy coffee and culinary delicacies at the Spanish Riding School café from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. from Tuesdays to Sundays.