Chapter 10 – The labyrinthine Hofburg Palace

Hofburg Palace was the residence of the Habsburgs for centuries. In the 18th century, Hofburg Palace reached approximately two-thirds of its modern dimensions. Some considerable extensions were made by Leopold I and Karl VI. During the reign of Maria Theresa, buildings which had previously stood apart were integrated into the main palace complex. On the map, the palace complex seems a rather labyrinthine conglomerate. Nevertheless, some basic landmarks, such as the Neue Burg Wing, Palm House and Michael’s Wing with its signature green dome, remained to be constructed.

The imaginative route of the three ladies goes as follows: From the family apartments in the Leopoldine Wing, they go to the Palace Chapel located in the Swiss Court and continue through the small courtyard to reach to the Redoute Wing. Admittedly, their going on to the Imperial library may be speculative here; I am not sure that there was any direct indoor passage in 1757. However, as the library was not yet connected to the Augustinian convent, the ladies have to step outside again, walk across the large, windy square and turn the corner, where lies the entrance to the church.

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