Abstract
The Chapter is a historical introduction to the monograph deals with one of the most important buildings of Central Europe - Hofburg Palace in Vienna. Its history in the 16th and 17th centuries can be regarded as a decisive stage in which the conversion took place initially transitional and provincial ruling seat in a permanent and splendid residence of emperors.
While in the 16th century during the reign of Ferdinand I, Maximilian II. and Rudolf II. Vienna vied for the position of chief royal residence with Prague, the following century can clearly say that the imperial Hofburg became during the reign of Ferdinand II., Ferdinand III. and Leopold I. the permanent imperial residence.
This change was reflected not only in the architectural design of the castle, which had to provide enough space for the monarch, his family and the court, but also in strengthening the political and social significance of the building. In Hofburg mainly in the 17th century played a number of important diplomatic meetings and social events.
Although at this time of the Prague Castle was only occasional residence of the Habsburgs, along with Vienna played an increasingly important role in their ancestral representation.