Schloss Liechtenstein

Schloss Liechtenstein, nestled near the charming towns of Maria Enzersdorf and Mödling in Lower Austria, is a gem of neoclassical architecture that offers a glimpse into the grandeur of princely summer residences. This magnificent palace, standing proudly on the edge of the Vienna Woods, is a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the House of Liechtenstein, the ruling family of the Principality of Liechtenstein.

The History of Schloss Liechtenstein

The story of Schloss Liechtenstein begins in the 12th century when the ancestral Liechtenstein Castle was constructed. Over the centuries, the castle changed hands among various noble families and eventually fell into ruin. At the end of the 16th century, Georg Wiesing, the estate administrator, built a manor house at the foot of Kalenderberg, opposite the castle. This manor house, however, was destroyed during the Battle of Vienna in 1683 by Ottoman troops.

Rebuilding efforts commenced in 1686, transforming the manor house into a small baroque-style palace. Ownership continued to shift among noble families, including the Polish prince Stanisław Poniatowski. However, it was Prince Johann I of Liechtenstein who, in a wave of romantic enthusiasm, bought back the ruins of his ancestral castle and the surrounding estate in the early 19th century. He decided to replace the baroque manor house with a new summer palace, commissioning architect Joseph Engel to design it in the Biedermeier style. Construction of the palace took place between 1820 and 1822.

Architectural Marvel

Schloss Liechtenstein is a straightforward, elongated three-story building. The classical central section, with its nine-axis facade facing the castle, is particularly striking. Tall arched windows and doors on the main floor, vertical divisions created by giant pilasters, and a gabled columned loggia supported by four tall columns reminiscent of a Greek temple give the palace its distinctive neoclassical charm. The triangular gable is adorned with a stone Liechtenstein coat of arms, and the relief Bacchantes frieze behind the portico's columns was crafted by Josef Klieber.

Inside, the wall-fixed furnishings in the representative rooms on the first floor of the central section remain in their original state, despite the loss of movable furnishings during the Soviet occupation. The banquet hall, located behind the portico, spans two upper floors and opens onto the terrace of the loggia through three tall doors. The shallow barrel vault of the hall is adorned with classical decorative paintings in grisaille technique, while the walls are structured by arched door frames and blind arches. The lunettes feature wall paintings by Friedrich Schilcher, depicting the nine Muses.

The English Landscape Garden

Surrounding Schloss Liechtenstein is a sprawling English landscape garden, measuring around 200 hectares. Prince Johann I was instrumental in creating this garden, which includes an ornamented farm at its center. This 19th-century gardening movement aimed to blend the countryside with the architectural design of the garden itself, incorporating lanes, bridges, alleys, and hedges.

The landscape park features several follies, including artificial ruins and temples, designed by Joseph Hardtmuth and Joseph Kornhäusel. Notable structures include the Amphitheatre, the Roman wall, the Black tower, the Hussars temple, and the alliance pyramid. The Amphitheatre, a semi-circular building with 16 vaulted arches supported by massive pillars and Doric columns, offers a stunning viewpoint over the surrounding area.

Schloss Liechtenstein Through the Ages

Prince Johann I was deeply attached to Schloss Liechtenstein, frequently visiting the palace and its gardens. The entire princely family often gathered there, enjoying long rides on mountain ponies and afternoon visits to the nearby surroundings. The palace also hosted distinguished guests, including members of the Habsburg imperial family and renowned painter Ferdinand Runk.

However, the palace's fortunes changed during the Second World War. Requisitioned by the Wehrmacht and later by Russian occupying forces, Schloss Liechtenstein suffered severe war damage. The palace was subsequently used as a refugee camp for Hungarians after the 1956 revolution, leaving it in a dilapidated state. Extensive renovation efforts took place between 1977 and 1989, and again in 2005, transforming the palace into a retirement home while preserving its neoclassical exterior.

A Modern-Day Retreat

Today, Schloss Liechtenstein serves as a senior residence, offering a tranquil retreat amidst its historical splendor. Theater performances are held in the basement during the summer, adding a touch of cultural vibrancy to this serene setting. The palace's proximity to Liechtenstein Castle, still owned by the princely family, adds to its allure, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and architecture aficionados alike.

In conclusion, Schloss Liechtenstein is more than just a neoclassical palace; it is a symbol of the enduring legacy of the House of Liechtenstein. Its walls echo with stories of princely grandeur and historical resilience, inviting visitors to step back in time and experience the timeless beauty of this architectural masterpiece.