Palais Coburg

Palais Coburg at Coburgbastei 4 in Vienna's 1st district was completed in 1845 for Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg-Kohary, son-in-law of the Hungarian magnate Joseph Kohary. It stands on the former Braunbastei, a remnant of Vienna's 16th and 17th-century city fortifications demolished during the 19th century. Viennese long nicknamed the late-classicist palace Spargelburg, asparagus castle, because of its monumental Corinthian colonnade. After a thorough restoration around 2003 the building now houses a five-star hotel with a starred restaurant and one of Europe's most spectacular wine cellars, set into the historic bastion vaults. By appointment visitors can book guided tours through the cellars, which hold Bordeaux rarities and top vintages spanning several centuries.