Vienna - Winter Palace of Prince Eugene

(Local Name: Winterpalais des Prinzen Eugen) Prince Eugene's town mansion has been occupied by the Ministry of Finance since 1848. There was almost an architectural tragedy when the conqueror of the Turks decided to change architects while construction was in progress. J. B. Fischer von Erlach was in charge from 1695 to 1698, but he was replaced by J. L. von Hildebrandt from 1702 to 1724. Prince Eugene died here in 1736 without receiving the final respects to which he was entitled. Emperor Charles VI was not present at his funeral, having gone to Laxenburg the day before "to pass the time". Prince Eugene's heiress, Anna Victoria of Savoy-Soissons, squandered the inheritance in a short while. In the end Maria Theresa purchased the palace for the State in 1752. Visitors are allowed only into the vestibule with the Hercules Fountain and the famous ceremonial staircase.