Princess Sissi in Vienna and the Imperial Palace The Hofburg - for centuries the political center of the Habsburg monarchy - museum included! On the trail of the wonderful Princess Sissi and the history of the Hofburg. On this tour we learn more about Sissi's personality, her work and her influence on history. But not only... The Hofburg in Vienna was the political center of the Habsburg monarchy for centuries and served as the imperial residence. It reflects the power and splendor of the Habsburg Empire. The Imperial Apartments, part of the Hofburg, offer an insight into the private and public life of the imperial family. Richly furnished with furniture, works of art and personal objects, they convey the splendor and lifestyle of the Habsburgs during their reign. A peculiarity of the time, for example, was the Sissi gym. We also see the rooms where the emperor held his audiences.