Prince Eugene of Savoy (1663-1736) was one of the most illustrious military commanders and statesmen of his time, considered a hero in Vienna and a key figure in European military history. Born in Paris, Eugene entered the service of the Habsburgs after being rejected by the French army due to his Italian origins. His brilliant military career saw him engaged in numerous wars against the Ottoman Empire and France, including the Great Turkish War and the War of Spanish Succession.
In Vienna, Eugene became a revered figure for his military victories that protected and expanded the borders of the Habsburg Empire. His main residence, the Belvedere Palace, is one of the most splendid examples of Baroque architecture in Vienna. Built between 1714 and 1723, the Belvedere was designed by the architect Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt and consists of two palaces, the Upper Belvedere and the Lower Belvedere, surrounded by magnificent gardens.
The Belvedere not only reflected the prince's artistic and cultural taste but also his role as a patron of the arts. Today, the complex houses one of the most important art collections in Austria, including masterpieces by Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele. Prince Eugene of Savoy died in 1736 and was buried in St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna. His legacy lives on in the city, where he is remembered as one of the greatest defenders and promoters of the culture and military power of the Habsburg Empire.
