Austrian TV was filming while we were there. Schönbrunn was named for a sweet water spring, the "Schöner Brunnen" discovered on the property by Emperor Matthias (1557-1619). The property had been acquired by Emperor Maximillian II (1527-76). Work was started on the present palace in 1696 as a summer residence by Emperor Leopold I (1640-1705). You will also see this palace used as a setting in the 1979 spoof of "Prisoner of Zenda" starring Peter Sellers.