Altes Schloss

Altes Schloss, located in Laxenburg, Austria, is a remarkable hill castle with origins dating back to the 13th century. Originally established as the heart of an extensive hunting ground, the castle was surrounded by moats and numerous ancillary buildings that supported its function as a noble retreat. The castle's long history is deeply intertwined with the Habsburg dynasty, who acquired it in 1333 and developed it into an important imperial residence over the centuries.

The castle complex is a fine example of layered architectural evolution, showcasing medieval foundations, Baroque renovations by the renowned architect Lodovico Burnacini in the late 17th century, and 19th-century neo-medieval additions. After suffering damage during the Second Turkish Siege of Vienna in 1683, the castle was rebuilt and expanded, including the addition of an upper floor in 1693. The moats that once encircled the castle were filled in during the 18th century, reflecting changing tastes and defensive needs.

Medieval origins and early history

The Altes Schloss originated as a hunting lodge in the 13th century under the Lords of Lachsenburg. Its strategic location on a hill provided a commanding view of the surrounding lands, ideal for overseeing hunting grounds and protecting the estate. The castle passed into Habsburg possession in the early 14th century, marking the beginning of its close association with one of Europe's most powerful dynasties.

The castle's early function as a hunting retreat was complemented by the construction of a chapel in one of its towers, which dates back to the 14th century. This chapel was rebuilt in 1389, incorporating statues from the Leopoldsberg chapel, and later received Baroque furnishings in 1755 sourced from St. Anna’s Church in Vienna. This blend of medieval and Baroque religious architecture adds to the castle's cultural significance.

Baroque transformation and imperial residence

Following the Turkish siege of 1683, the castle underwent significant reconstruction under the direction of Lodovico Burnacini, who was instrumental in shaping its Baroque character. The addition of a new upper floor and the remodeling of interiors reflected contemporary tastes and the castle's elevated status as a Habsburg residence.

During the 18th century, the castle served as a favored spring residence for the Habsburgs, alongside the nearby Blauer Hof (Blue Court), which was built in the 18th century. The castle was part of a broader imperial landscape that included the transformation of the surrounding gardens into an English-style landscape park with winding paths, ponds, and romantic garden features such as the Rittergau and neo-medieval structures.

Connections to vienna and imperial court life

Empress Maria Theresa enhanced the castle's accessibility by creating a continuous avenue from Schönbrunn Palace and establishing a dedicated railway line connecting to the Southern Railway at Mödling. This facilitated easier travel for court members and reinforced Laxenburg's role as an imperial retreat.

In the 19th century, the castle remained a significant residence for the imperial family. Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth spent their honeymoon at Laxenburg in 1854, and the castle was the birthplace of their children Archduchess Gisela and Crown Prince Rudolf. The Blue Court nearby was expanded by architects such as Lucas von Hildebrandt and Nikolaus Pacassi to accommodate the large imperial household.

20th-century history and modern use

During World War I, the Blue Court was converted into a military hospital, and in 1917 Emperor Karl I moved his court to Laxenburg, seeking proximity to the military high command in Baden and a degree of separation from Vienna's political center. After the fall of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy in 1918, the castle properties were managed by the War Victims’ Fund but faced commercial challenges in the 1920s.

Under Nazi rule, Laxenburg was incorporated into Vienna in 1938. During World War II, the Blue Court served as a Wehrmacht warehouse, and many valuable furnishings were relocated to museums in Vienna. The castle and park were later occupied by Soviet forces after 1945, leading to a period of neglect and deterioration.

Restoration efforts began in the 1960s with the formation of a municipal company dedicated to managing the castle and park. These efforts have preserved the castle's historical fabric and adapted it for contemporary use. Today, the Altes Schloss houses part of Austria’s Film Archive, while the chapel serves as a venue for concerts, weddings, and cultural events.

The castle complex and surrounding park

The Laxenburg castle complex includes three main historic structures: the Altes Schloss (Old Castle), the Blauer Hof (Blue Court or New Castle), and the Franzensburg, a neo-medieval castle built on an island in the castle pond between 1801 and 1836. The Franzensburg is named after Emperor Franz II/I and is accessible by an iron bridge and ferry, preserving historic waterway connections.

The extensive English landscape park spans approximately 280 hectares and was transformed from a formal French garden into a naturalistic park during the late 18th century under Emperor Joseph II. The park features winding paths, varied watercourses, and romantic garden elements such as the Rittergau, the Green Lusthaus pavilion dedicated to Diana, and the Corinthian-columned Concordiatempel.

Other notable park features include the ruins of the House of Humor, the Rittergruft (knights’ crypt), the Ritter column, and the Hofeiskeller ice cellar. The park's water system is ingeniously engineered, drawing from the Triesting River and Heidbach stream, and includes the Forstmeisterkanal and Große Kaskade waterfall.

The former imperial railway station, the Kaiserbahnhof of Laxenburg, has been restored to its mid-19th-century appearance and now serves as an event space and restaurant. Nearby, the Palais Kaunitz-Wittgenstein has historical significance as a noble residence and currently houses the International Anti-Corruption Academy.