Hofburg Palace is one of Vienna's architectural gems. It was designed as a fortress and royal residence for the Babenbergers, who began its construction in 1221. Hofburg's oldest surviving part is the Swiss Court (1552).
In the early 18th century, Hofburg was considerably expanded by the architects Fischer von Erlach, Hildebrandt, etc. In 1814 and 1815, the Congress of Vienna held its sessions in Hofburg Palace.
The work to expand the palace was resumed in the late 19th century: at this time Neue Burg (New Hofburg) designed by architects Gottfried Semper and Karl von Hasenauer was built; today, Neue Burg houses the Austrian National Library. Construction to expand the palace was carried out until the break-up of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy in 1918.
Positioned in front of Neue Burg, in Heroes' Square, are monuments to Austrian national heroes, such as Prince Eugene of Savoya, who defeated the Turks, and Archduke Karl, who defeated Napoleon in the Battle of Aspern-Essling in 1809.
Hofburg's New Gate in Heroes' Square was built in 1824 to honour the memory of the Austrian soldiers killed in the Battle of the Nations near Leipzig. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is in the New Gate's arch. Wreaths are laid at the monument on October 26 when the country marks its national holiday, the day of adopting the law on neutrality.
Today, the former residence of the Habsburgs, Austria's last royal family, houses the President's Office, governmental institutions, and museums (the imperial rooms, the Museum of Elizabeth and the Silver Chamber).