Althofen is considered one of the oldest still inhabited mountain settlements in Austria. Besides that, there are still remains from the former town fortification. For example, the Annenturm. This tower saw its completion in 1307.
Tag: Austria
Sundial at St Peter’s Archabbey
You find this sundial in a courtyard of St. Peter’s Archabbey (Erzabtei St. Peter) in Salzburg. The two crossed keys represent the abbey’s coat of arms. The aged man is Saint Benedict. With the rule book and a raven, you see two attributes of him. [German]
Alter Brotladen in Melk
This romantic building with its dinky corner oriels is generally known as “Alter Brotladen” (Former Bread Shop). Three different bakers in Melk used it as a shared bread store. Some sources say it served as a Salzstadel (salt storehouse) before.
Roman Tombstone in Wels
During the Roman era, the city of Wels was known as Ovilava and served as the capital of the province Noricum Ripense. Ancient remains are still visible in the cityscape. For example, this tombstone is part of a building in the town centre.
Sator square in Golling/Salzach
You find this sator square on a facade in Golling an der Salzach. The sator square, aka rotas square, is a palindrome that one can read horizontally and vertically, forward and backwards. The oldest representation of a sator square was found in Pompeii. [German]
Black Elephant Inn in Scheibbs
Austria is not a natural home for elephants, leaving aside prehistoric ages. Nevertheless, you often find their depictions on old facades. For example, this inn in Scheibbs has been known as “Zum Schwarzen Elefanten” (Black Elephant Inn) since 1541.
A pair of griffins in Vienna
Though I don’t believe in fabulous creatures, I always love to see depictions of them. I found this pair of griffins guarding a bollard in front of a building on the historicizing Wiener Ringstraße (Vienna Ring Road).
Mozartsteg in Salzburg
The Mozartsteg in Salzburg is a footbridge named after Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The Art Nouveau-style bridge saw its completion in 1903. At that time, pedestrians had to pay a toll for using this privately owned construction. [German]
Cellar cat in Poysdorf
In the Austrian region of Weinviertel, you often see the model of a cat. This symbol is known as a cellar cat (Kellerkatze). Local people believe a cat living in a wine vault will always rest on the barrel with the best wine.
Mirabell Palace in Salzburg
Mirabell Palace (Schloss Mirabell) is known for its marble hall as a wedding location. Besides that, its garden offers a magnificent view of the Hohensalzburg Fortress and surprises with several magical sculptures.
House No. 1379 in Vienna
The first official numbering of houses in Vienna was ordered by Maria Theresa in 1770. Following this order, the house numbers were given successively as the houses were built. No street names but numbers from 1 to nonterminating.
Bruck Castle in Lienz
The Counts of Gorizia built Bruck Castle (Schloss Bruck) in the 13th century. The creator of the frescoes in the worth-seeing chapel was the late Gothic artist Simon von Taisten. At the museum, you find monumental paintings by Albin Egger-Lienz. [German]