Hoffmannsches Freihaus in Wels

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Hoffmannsches Freihaus in Wels, Austria

This building generally known as Hoffmannsches Freihaus or Haus der Salome Alt was first mentioned in 1464. The name Freihaus (‘Free House’) refers to the fact that the residents of this building were outside the jurisdiction of the city court and were exempt from municipal taxes.

One of the most famous residents in this house was Salome Alt (1568-1663). She got known for being the mistress of Wolf Dietrich Raitenau, the Prince-Bishop of Salzburg (1559-1617). With him she had no less than 15 children.

The building is placed next to the Burg (Castle) of Wels and offers a worth-seeing wall decoration including several colorful coat of arms.