Palais Metternich

Palais Metternich is a three-story neoclassical palace in Vienna's Landstraße district with a formal garden entrance framed by Tuscan columns. The building blends neoclassical design with Italian Renaissance elements throughout its facades and interior spaces.

The palace was commissioned in 1846 and experienced upheaval during the 1848 revolution when its owner fled and looting occurred. It later became a center of diplomatic activity and eventually passed to Italian administration in the early 1900s.

The palace was home to one of Europe's most influential diplomats and continues to shape Vienna's diplomatic character. Today it functions as Italy's embassy, creating a living bridge between Austrian history and Italian presence in the city.

The palace is visible from the street as an active embassy building but is not open to the public since it functions as Italian state property. Visitors can view the neoclassical architecture and columned garden entrance from outside.

The palace's main facade faces the garden rather than the street, creating an inward-looking character that shields the diplomatic residence from urban bustle. This unusual orientation gives it a more secluded feeling than typical Vienna palaces.

Location: Vienna

Inception: 1846

Architects: Romano von Ringe, August Schwendenwein von Lanauberg

Official opening: 1848

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture

Floors above the ground: 3

Address: Rennweg 27

GPS coordinates: 48.19610,16.38291

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:42