Belvedere Gardens, Vienna

Nestled between the Lower and Upper Belvedere Palaces, the Belvedere Gardens serve as a connecting thread, often humorously likened to the "extra crunchy peanut butter layer between two grand palatial slices," or a vibrant splash of color amidst the austere Baroque white-walled architecture.

While these gardens are situated in Vienna, they exude a distinct Versailles ambiance, spanning three expansive terraces, albeit on a more modest scale compared to their French counterpart. The gardens were designed in the classic French style by Dominique Girard, who had received formal training at Versailles. Their construction commenced in 1700, shortly after Prince Eugene acquired the land. Due to an unexpected setback, the gardens weren't finished until the 1720s. The delay was caused by the person in charge of the main fountain's foundations, who left early one Friday and never returned as promised.

Initially, the gardens boasted intricate geometric designs delineated by flower beds and meticulously pruned ornamental conifers, alongside exquisite statuary. At a later point, the prince introduced a zoo to the premises. While much of the statuary has endured the passage of centuries, the meticulously designed flower beds, sadly, did not. Over time, the gardens underwent a renaissance and now boast well-maintained grounds, though not fully recreating their original formal look.

Nonetheless, they are meticulously kept and offer much to appreciate, even in winter. Within less than one acre of space, one can find thousands of plants, while the pools and elegant fountains evoke echoes of the original grandeur. The sculpted hedges and cherubic statues all appear immaculate. Additionally, the area houses the Alpine garden and a garden affiliated with the University of Vienna. Open to the public without charge, this area is an absolute must-visit for garden enthusiasts.

Tip:
Particularly good in warmer seasons, in part because of the operating fountains.
There are plenty of hidden spaces to sit down and rest for a while – shaded, quiet and just what you need after a walk around the garden.
Most people focus on the terraced area between the two palaces, but go round the Upper Belvedere to find a small lake – the southernmost point is the place to take an iconic photo. The water reflects the front of the palace and looks particularly spectacular at night, even more so when the Christmas market occupies the palace forecourt.