Schonbrunn Palace (Schönbrunn Schloss) was the summer residence of Austria's emperors. It was built by Emperor Maximilian II in the mid 16th century. The area around the palace was used as recreational grounds and hunting. In the mid 16th century the palace was redesigned by the court architect Nicolò Pacassi under the orders of Maria Theresa of Austria. The Schönbrunn Palace remained summer residence of the royal family until 1918 when Charles I of Austria abdicated.