The spectacular residence of Belvedere actually comprises two original Baroque mansions set opposite each other on two sides of a charming gently sloping garden. The land was originally purchased in 1693 by Prince Eugene of Savoy, who envisioned it as an elegant park with numerous fountains and other elaborate water features. Almost 20 years later, the Prince commissioned Lukas von Hildebrandt to design the building of what is known today as the Lower Belvedere, at that time a residence intended for his personal use. The marvellous building features the impressive Marmorsaal (the Marble Hall) and the Spiegelsaal (the Mirror Hall).

Soon after the completion of the first building, Hildebrandt was busy creating an adjacent residence, today called the Upper Belvedere, a luxurious venue for lavish balls, firework displays and official receptions organised by the Prince. The impressive Audienzsaal (the Reception Hall) and Kaffeezimmer (the Coffee Room) are all accessible to visitors today. Kunstgalerie (the Prince's private Arts Gallery) now constitutes one of the country's most popular galleries, featuring a large collection of paintings by artists such as Gustav Klimt, Oskar Kokoschka, and Egon Schiele.