Ardavan Taheri / Radio Koocheh
a.taheri@koochehmail.com
Translated by Avideh Motmaen-Far
avideh@avideh.net
In a region, where not far from now, has been outside of the city of Vienna, the beautiful delightfully colored garden, ”Schönbrunn Palace”, on the western part of Austria’s capital, reminds us of the Old Kingdom. Today, ”boys and girls seek revenge for the deprivations of the feudal times – in these golden days of democracy – from the green grass of bourgeois parks, to quote professor “Mohammad Ebrahim Bastani Parizi”, this beautiful historic palace, resorts for men and women who in the morning air, search the breath of wind among the green trees of the garden. Tourists also consider the visit of magnificent rooms and halls of this palace as part of an unforgettable trip to the capital of classical music.
First design of the Palace and Gardens, Schönbrunn
Schönbrunn Palace history goes back to the Middle Ages and 14th century. In fact, the land and the first building of this castle thatwas called “Katterburg”, was part of the property and assets of “Neuburg Monastery” (Klosterneuburg).
Perhaps this bloody root is the cause of the shaking democracy to this day. Each time I think of “Marie Antoinette” ‘s fate, I remember the first sentences of her last letter to say farewell to her sister-in-law, “Madame Elizabeth” the night before she experiences the guillotine blade, and I get disgusted even of the freedom seeking movement of people.
Later in the transition of centuries, several tenants, including the Mayor of Vienna, “Hermann Bayer” lived in this vast property in 1548. At the same time, expansion of real estate and the construction of the building made it become predominantly a ”Maison de Maitre”. In 1569, under the ”Maximilian II” rule, this property included a house, a mill, a warehouse, a garden and an orchard. It was added then, over a purchase contract, to the ”Habsburg” family assets
“Maximilian” had a passion for the development of a zoo in his property. In fact, he thought of his place as a place for hunting and the natural life for birds. In the same garden where he was growing his Pheasants for hunting, he also had a few exotic birds such as peafowls and turkeys came from distant lands. Of course, those days are not comparable with today that within a few hours flight, a helpless Iguana, can be smuggled from a South American country to Tehran and be held captive in the Terrarium of young talented guy from north of Tehran.
"Maria Theresia''
After “Maximilian II” ‘s sudden death in 1576, “Katterburg” was owned by “Rudolf II”. “Rudolph” was diligent on maintenance of”Katterburg”, but he never went there. His successor, ”Empror Matthias” used the place as a hunting ground. A story tells us about the name of Schönbrunn Palace; a place where till that time was called “Katterburg”. “Emperor Matthias” in one of his hunting escapade discovered a very beautiful Fountain in 1612; the reason why, the place was called ”Beautiful Fountain” (Schöner Brunnen).
The “Emperor Matthias” ‘s successor, the “Emperor Ferdinand II” (Kaiser Ferdinand II) and his wife, ”Eleonora von Gonzaga” who shared a passion for hunt, chose also ”Schöner Brunnen” as their favorite hunting ground for the conventional group hunts of that period. Although the brutal group hunts, remains of medieval times, are not pleasant to remember, but in order not to forget anything about this beautiful place, this should also be said bitterly. This is how the history goes on, brutal and frank.
View of the Palace ''Schönbrunn''
After the death of “Emperor Ferdinand” in 1637, his widow, ”Eleonora von Gonzaga” continued residing at this location. ”Eleonora” who was interested in art and culture, began her lively social life in this residence. She needed a place with artistic beauty that represents her spirit and lifestyle. So in 1642 she issued the order for the construction of a recreational palace. At the same time, the name of the building and the property was changed to ”Schönbrunn”.
The first page of "Marie Antoinette'' wills. ''Marie Antoinette'', Queen of France
With the second Ottoman siege in 1683, glittering lifestyle came to an abrupt end with the destruction of historical monuments and buildings of the area; unfortunately the palace zoo, the recreational Palace and the Park at ”Schönbrunn” were devastated. Under the rule of ”Emperor Leopold I” (Kaiser Leopold I) in 1693, the construction of a grand hunting lodge (Jagdschloss) by ”Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach” began. The new edifice, according to a pre-designed map, was partly built on the existing foundations of the recreational Palace of the art lover ‘Eleorona” that had been destroyed by the Turks. Unlike Fischer’s first more or less Utopian design which comprised extensive inclined approaches, colonnades and elaborate waterworks covering the entire area from the banks of the river Wien right up to the palace on the crest of Schönbrunn Hill, this palatial hunting lodge at the foot of the hill was completed in keeping with Baroque architectural principles.
''Franz Joseph'', Emperor of Austria with his mother, "Sophie''
From this period onwards, the ”Schönbrunn palace” saw many changes. Construction and opening of the theater in 1747, construction of a new edifice in the western part of the palace between 1753 to 1763 during the rule of ”Maria Theresia”, the art lover ruler of Austria, has been only a part of the efforts of rulers of Austria in the development and maintenance of this beautiful historic building. This section of ”Schönbrunn palace” history, reminds us of the period of birth of democracy – which of course was quite furious. ”Maria Theresia” was “Marie Antoinette” ‘s mother. The famous “Marie Antoinette” who was the Louis XVI’s wife, the last king of France, before the 1792 revolution. Perhaps this bloody root is the cause of the shaking democracy to this day. Each time I think of “Marie Antoinette” ‘s fate, I remember the first sentences of her last letter to say farewell to her sister-in-law, “Madame Elizabeth” the night before she experiences the guillotine blade, and I get disgusted even of the freedom seeking movement of people. “Marie Antoinette” begins her bitter letter as such: “Dear sister! For the last time I write to you. At this moment I am condemned, not to a shameful death that a criminal deserves, but to re-find your brother [Louis XVI]. Innocent, like him. Hopefully in the last moments, I will be with him. My conscience is clear, when I know the conscience of our people knows we are not offenders. I am deeply sorry for leaving my helpless children behind. […]”.
When you enter ”Schönbrunn palace”, you will understand why this magnificent palace, one of the most notable works of Baroque period is recognized as part of the world’s cultural heritage.
Construction and transformation of palaces and gardens, ended shortly before ”Maria Theresia” died in 1780. Then again, the castle was abandoned until the “Emperor Franz Karl” (Kaiser Franz Karl) used it as the Summer Palace again. Under his rule, during the years 1805 to 1809 ”Schönbrunn palace” was invaded by “Napoleon”.
In 1814 and 1815 with the approval of Congress of Vienna, it was established that the ”Schönbrunn palace” facade be rebuild and transformed under the imperial architect, “Johann Aman”’s supervision. “Johann Aman” changed the ”rococo” facade to what it looks like today. The sophisticated decorations were removed and replaced by smoother ones. Yellow colour of ”Schönbrunn palace” which remains today and the name ”Schönbrunn Yellow” (Schönbrunner Gelb) is linked with the palace by virtue of its name. ”Franz Joseph”, “Emperor Franz Karl” and “Sophie”’s son was born in 1830 in the eastern part of this palace. He spent his early childhood in this Palace and succeeded to the throne where he lived till his death on November 21, 1916.
Exterior view of the Palace ''Schönbrunn''
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Schönbrunn palace” is one of the most famous cultural heritage of Austria and since 1960 is considered as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vienna. Following the downfall of the monarchy in Austria, the garden of ”Schönbrunn palace” is used as a outing places in Vienna. Finally, in December 1996, during the twentieth session of the United Nations World Heritage Committee, ”Schönbrunn palace” was recorded in the World Heritage List of UNESCO. When you enter ”Schönbrunn palace”, you will understand why this magnificent palace, one of the most notable works of Baroque period is recognized as part of the world’s cultural heritage. Before traveling to Vienna, I suggest visiting the ” Schönbrunn” Panorama.
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