In 1697, this beautiful palace was commissioned to the famous Baroque Master Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt by the Austrian diplomat and military commander Heinrich Franz von Mansfeld, Prince of Fondi, who wished to have an elegant summer residence located not too far from the city centre. Unfortunately, he did not live to see his palace, as he died before the completion of the construction. The plot and the unfinished structure was purchased by Prince Adam Franz of Schwarzenberg, whose powerful and affluent family, with origins from Bohemia, desired to expand their influence in Vienna. Adam Franz entrusted the project to Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach who completed it in 1728. The result was grandiose. The large baroque gardens, the impressive fountains, the stunning marble gallery, as well as the cavalry school and orangery, which were later added, were a site of splendour and soon became one of the favourite destinations of the Viennese aristocracy during the 18th century.