| This activity
ended in 1996. For information only.
|
CASTLE SCHOENBRUNN
These texts are written of students in Hietzinger Gymnasium, 3A-Class
First it was a hunting lodge and a summer residence of the Habsburg
family. Its named after the fountain "Schoener Brunnen". In the 16th
century Leopold 1st and his successor Joseph 1st rebuilt it following
plans of J.B.Fischer von Erlach. Present apperance of the castle in
Rokokostyle inside is the work of empress Maria Theresia. Franz
Joseph 1st took over the empire in 1848 and he reigned for 68 years.
He ordered the renovation of all the interior rooms. He died during
World War 1st in 1916 in the Castle Schoenbrunn.
Today Schoenbrunn castle together with the beautiful zoo "Tiergarten",
which is the oldest in the world, is one of the most famous sights in Vienna.
The "Gloriette" is situated on a hill behind the castle. In the castle there
are 1441 rooms, 139 kitchens, 17 halls, but no bathroom. In the theatre
of the castle even Haydn and Mozart were playing their music.
We are very proud to live in a district of Vienna that has such a great,
cultural heritage. Especially now, in the time before X-mas, the castle
presents itself with all its beauty. When we last visited the castle,
we admired a huge, beautifully decorated X-mas tree before the main
entrance. Also inside the building there was Christmas decoration
everywhere. We walked through the many, many preciously furnished
rooms. There was a smell of old lace curtains and old furniture and
the parquet floor cracked, when we walked over it. We were deeply
impressed by the study and the bedroom of Emperor FRANZ JOSEPH I.
We mustn't forget that he was so modest: a writing desk, a wooden chair
and a simple iron bed, just like a soldier.
The big banquet hall was of course highly impressing. There are many
crystal chandeliers and the panels are golden. We imagined how
the aristocracy were dining here and we could almost smell roast
meat and hear the tinkling of wine-glasses.
When we came down into the kitchen, we saw in our mind's eye diligent
cooks preparing the meal. As we wanted to go to the vantage - point
of the park we had to leave the castle. We looked back at the castle
for a last time and walked through the French Garden up to the "Gloriette".
Best wishes,
the girls and boys of 3A
The Castle itself
The artesian well and the beautiful fountain
House of palm-trees
Gloriette with garden
Christoph Lechleitner, 3A-Class
Christa Prosl, Teacher
Alois Vilim, Teacher
Return to Participating Schools
Return to Essays
