The large Palm House, intended to house exotic plants, was built in Schönbrunn by order of Emperor Franz Joseph. To this day, it is considered one of the largest greenhouses in Europe and even in the world!
A little about the structure's dimensions: the width of the pavilion is about 30 meters, the length is 111 meters, and the height is about 25 meters. Many palm trees reach almost all the way to the roof with their crowns. 45000 sheets of glass were used in glazing this architectural masterpiece.
During World War II, the greenhouse was bombed, but was later restored.
Palmenhaus consists of a central pavilion and two side pavilions, each of which recreates its own climate zone. Thus, in the "cold" zone, winter temperatures are kept at +8-10°C, while in the southern area it is around +17°C in winter. Such "artificial weather" is maintained thanks to a unique climate control system that makes it possible to keep rare specimens of flora from almost all over the world. An ancient olive tree, a giant Amazon water lily, orchids, cacti - Palmenhaus truly presents a magnificent collection!
