Altes Palmenhaus

The Altes Palmenhaus is a large greenhouse at the western edge of Schönbrunn Palace Park, stretching approximately 111 meters and housing tropical and Mediterranean plants. The structure is divided into several climate zones that display different types of vegetation, including banana, cacao, and papaya trees alongside carnivorous plants.

Emperor Franz Joseph commissioned this glass structure in 1882, and it was at that time the largest building of its kind in the world. The construction reflects the imperial era's interest in botanical collections and displaying exotic plants.

The building displays the world's plant diversity in one place, with Mediterranean flora in the center and tropical species in separate wings. Visitors can feel the different climates and landscapes as they move through the various sections.

The glass structure provides shelter from weather and enables comfortable visits regardless of season and temperature conditions. Visitors should take time to explore all zones, as the different areas display different plant types and impressions.

The interior houses the rare Seychelles palm Lodoicea with its characteristic large fruits and the Traveler's Palm from Madagascar. These unusual specimens demonstrate the site's importance as a location for botanical collections from around the world.