Hofburg

Hofburg, vast complex of buildings in the center of Vienna, Austria, that was the former imperial palace and winter palace of the Habsburg dynasty and has been since 1946 the official residence and office of the president of Austria. There are buildings within the complex dating from the 13th century through the beginning of the 20th century, and thus it features a variety of architectural styles, including neo-Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque.

The oldest part is known as the Schweizerhof or Swiss Wing, and it was this palace that belonged to Duke Albert, the first Habsburg ruler of Austria. Its elaborate 16th-century entrance is known as the Schweizertor or Swiss Gate. Over the ensuing centuries, the palace grew to encompass 18 wings and some 2,600 rooms. The buildings include a 14th-century chapel, a 16th-century palace, and the 18th-century Winter Riding School, now the performance space of the Spanish Riding School.

In 1918 Charles, the last emperor of Austria, left office, and the country became a republic. In 1938, Adolf Hitler took possession of the Hofburg, and it was from a balcony of the Neue Burg (New Palace; completed in 1913) that he announced Germany’s annexation of Austria.

The Hofburg houses museums and art galleries, concert halls, the Austrian National Library, and parks. In addition, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe maintains its conference center in the Hofburg.