You only see what you know (Goethe)
Built in 1576, Retz’s Sgraffito House tells stories without opening its doors. Its Renaissance façade layers biblical scenes, mythological figures, and symbolic life stages. Once hidden beneath paint, the rediscovered artwork now reveals the wealth, taste, and ambitions of a prosperous wine town.
Relief with the coat of arms of Hannes Firenncz whose family came from Gorizia. I saw this relief at the walls of the Verderber – Haus. Which amazing reliefs do you know?
One of the highlights at the market place of Retz: The Verderber – Haus. The architecture is very special. Do you see that the building offers two different types of crenellations? Another interesting detail is a colorful relief above the gate.
There are only two wind mills still operating in Austria. One of them is placed on a hill high next to Retz. The second one is located in Podersdorf.
Parish church St. Peter in Retz first mentioned in the year 1200. By the way have you ever seen a roundabout with the figure of a saint in its middle?
Lately, I found a clever way to learn about the former town wall of Wiener Neustadt. At Reyergasse 10, I saw this mural depicting the walls around the city. Some parts of the walls are still visible.
The Reckturm is a tower dating back to 13th century. After its demolition it was reconstructed in the style of 15th century. The name Reckturm (reck = rack) refers to its use as prison and place for torture. Today it houses a small museum for weapons and about torment.
You find this fountain in Mürzzuschlag, a city known for steel processing plants nearby. I love the idea behind the use of stainless steel. It reminds us that the development of stainless chrome steel started in this region in 1912.
After visiting the white donkeys, I climbed a former border guard tower. In its earlier days, it served as part of the Iron Curtain on the Hungarian side of the border. Today it is used as a watchtower for tourists at the national park Neusiedlersee – Seewinkel.
At a watch post for birds on the Neusiedler Lake (Neusiedler See). Are you interested in birdwatching? Every two years, the Pannonian BirdExperience takes place at the National Park Neusiedler See-Seewinkel.
A high diversity of animal and plant species characterises the Neusiedler See – Seewinkel National Park. Situated between the last foothills of the Alps and the Little Hungarian Plain, it forms a distinctive mosaic of meadows, salt pans, and the Neusiedler See reed belt.
Fun: On my bike ride through the lovely landscape on the shores of the Neusiedler Lake (Neusiedler See), I entered a region named Hölle (Eng.: hell). What weird names of places do you know?