The Hofburg imperial palace is in Vienna, the capital of Austria. Located in the city centre, the vast complex was the principal winter residence of the Habsburg rulers and remains one of Vienna’s defining landmarks.
The Hofburg originated as a medieval castle in the 13th century and expanded repeatedly as the Habsburg dynasty grew in power. From 1438 to 1583 and again from 1612 to 1806, it served as the seat of the Holy Roman Empire’s rulers. It later became the residence of the Austrian emperors until the end of the monarchy in 1918.
Today, the complex contains museums, the Austrian National Library, the Imperial Treasury, the Spanish Riding School, and state offices. Since 1946, it has been the official residence and workplace of Austria’s federal president. A common mix-up is Schönbrunn Palace: Schönbrunn was the Habsburgs’ summer residence, while the Hofburg was their principal winter residence in central Vienna.