The sprawling palace was decorated with all the opulence and grandeur associated with the Holy Roman Empire and the Habsburg regime, whose emperors and kings it was designed to house.

As the Habsburgs gained power and territory, the palace expanded proportionately around them with lavish state rooms, decadent private apartments and a fabulous collection of art and antiquities. The imperial family resided here until 1918 when the Austro-Hungarian Empire collapsed.

These days, Hofburg Palace is the official residence and workplace of the Austrian president.

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