Spanish Riding School: Vienna's Heritage of Classical Riding

Right beside the Hofburg, on Michaelerplatz, sits the Spanish Riding School, one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the world. Since the 16th century, the classical art of riding has been preserved and passed on here in its historical form.

The White Lipizzaner Stallions

The riding school originally took its name from the Spanish origin of its first horses, and today the snow-white Lipizzaner stallions stand at its center, a breed developed specifically for the demanding movements of the High School of riding. Born dark as foals, the horses only lighten to their characteristic white over several years.

A UNESCO Cultural Heritage

In 2015, the classical riding art of the Spanish Riding School was recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, an honor that acknowledges the unique combination of animal husbandry, training, and performing art. Training horse and rider takes years and continues to follow baroque principles handed down through generations.

Performances in the Winter Riding School

In the Hofburg's magnificent Winter Riding School, one of Vienna's finest baroque halls, visitors can watch training sessions and gala performances in which the horses display their elaborate movements. For lovers of classical riding as well as those interested in cultural history, a visit ranks among the city's special experiences.