The Belvedere palace complex is one of the most stunning architectural ensembles in the world. It was built in the 18th century by Austrian Prince Eugene of Savoy. Architect Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt created two spectacular Baroque palaces – the Lower and Upper Belvedere – as well as extensive gardens between them. The Lower Belvedere served as a summer residence, while the Upper Belvedere was used for representations and festivities. The park between the buildings still features numerous fountains, cascades, and statues.

The Lower Belvedere was completed in 1716 and marked the boundary between the palace complex and the imperial city of Vienna. Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt designed the palace as a residential building with staterooms illustrating all the splendor of the lush, pompous and pretentious Baroque. So, the Marble Hall, which served as the reception hall, was decorated with the prince's war trophies, scenes from the life of the ancient Greek god Apollo, a ceiling fresco by the Italian painter Martino Altomonte, and original statues from the Providence fountain on Neuer Markt square. Today, the Lower Belvedere houses the Museum of Austrian Baroque, which displays works by the most important Austrian artists of the 17th and 18th centuries.

The Upper Belvedere was built between 1717 and 1723. In Prince Eugene's time, it served mainly for state functions, major celebrations, and official events. The hall on the first floor was decorated with four powerful Atlanteans supporting an ornate stuccoed, vaulted ceiling. This room served both as a garden hall opening onto the park and as a vestibule leading to the Grand Staircase. The Marble Hall of the Upper Belvedere was dominated by reddish-brown marble, gilding, and frescoes by Carlo Innocenzo Carlone, Marcantonio Chiarini, and Gaetano Fanti. Today, the palace houses the Gallery of 19th- and 20th-century art with a large collection of Biedermeier and Austrian Secession works.

The Belvedere Garden is one of the most significant historic French-style parks in Europe. Even in its current stripped-down form, it is still a fine example of late Baroque garden design. A large outdoor pool, in front of the steps of the Upper Belvedere, reflects and echoes the facade of the building. On the opposite end of the palace complex, the Lower Belvedere is adjacent to the palace courtyard, which previously housed the stables. Beyond it, there is the Secret Garden and the former Orangery, where modern exhibition space is located today.