The Villa Wartholz is a former imperial villa in Reichenau an der Rax. Villa Wartholz was designed by Heinrich von Ferstel in the historicist style in the years 1870 to 1872 for Archduke Karl Ludwig of Austria. The castle-like building with towers was for recreational purposes, not for military means. The villa was designed with a view over the valley. Karl Ludwig spent so much time in this area, he reserved this place only for hunting by the imperial court. It was built near by his home Karl-Ludwig-Haus on the Rax.

This area around Reichenau was a popular tourist area for the aristocratic society since the construction of the Southern Railway. Members of the imperial family, and other members of the nobility, artists and scientists met at the Villa Wartholz. Nearby another palace subsequently arose, the Schloss Rothschild.

The villa also was used by Emperor Charles I of Austria and Empress Zita. Their son, Otto von Habsburg (1912 – 2011) was born in Villa Wartholz. His baptism and first Communion were received in the chapel, which was located in the villa. On 17 August 1917, Otto von Habsburg held a ceremony where he handed over the Military Order of Maria Theresa to 24 officers, among them Kövess, Dankl, Arz, Wenzel von Wurm, Cavallar and Banfield.

Due to the Habsburg Law the Wartholz villa was owned by the Austrian state. The Habsburgs staked a claim of private ownership and for many years this was a point of contention whether they would be reinstituted as owners. In 1973, the government sold the mansion to the State of Lower Austria. From this it was again sold in 1982 and is now privately owned.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 1870-1872
Category: Palaces, manors and town halls in Austria

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Silvia Muller (3 years ago)
Große Enttäuschung am Hochzeitstag: Wir haben im Sommer 2021 in der Location "Schloss Wartholz" in Reichenau an der Rax geheiratet und haben an unserem großen Tag leider viele Enttäuschungen erlebt. Dinge, die zig mal besprochen und ausgemacht waren, wurden nicht wie vereinbart umgesetzt. Beim Empfang wurden die Häppchen und die Getränke für die Gäste vergessen. Später gab es statt, wie vereinbart (wir haben mehrmals nachgefragt), 3-4 Kellnern nur einen einzigen. Später kam einer dazu und sie wechselten sich ab. Eine extra Schankkraft gab es nicht. Das Essen kam viel zu spät, 1,5 Stunden später als besprochen. Es war geschmacklos, kalt und vieles hat gefehlt. Leider hat die Kost uns eher an Kantinenfraß erinnert, nicht gewürzt und qualitativ eher im unteren Segment angesiedelt. Es wurde ewig lange nicht abgeräumt. Das Geschirr lag ewig lange vor den Gästen herum und es dauerte eine Ewigkeit bis der nächste Gang endlich serviert wurde. Es gab drinnen, im Schlossgarten, wo die Trauung stattfand keine Achenbecher und die Gäste bekamen erst nach mehrmaligem Nachfragen, einen Kübel mit Wasser hingestellt. Die Limonaden waren lauwarm und schmeckten fade. Erst um 22:00 war der Hauptgang durch und wir mussten das Dessert auslassen. Der Besitzer der Location führt gleichzeitig ein Cafe/Restaurant in der selben Anlage und sein Hauptaugenmerk gilt diesem, sodass das Personal dort gebündelt eingesetzt wird. Fazit: Schöne Location, aber das Service hat nicht gepasst und ist in unseren Augen sehr unprofessionell. Das Preis-Leistungsverhältnis stimmte nicht. Besonders schade fanden wir auch, dass der Besitzer keinerlei Einsicht gezeigt hat, als wir ihn über die Fehler informierten und uns auf einen Kaffee auf Kosten des Hauses vertrösten wollte. Für uns steht fest: außen hui, innen pfui.
Jürgen H. (3 years ago)
Food is good, but in the upper price segment. Unfortunately, the accessories that can be bought are increasingly labeled "made in China" ... I find it a shame and a disappointment ?
Susanne Dubsek (3 years ago)
Very nice ambience. The hospitality is held high here, even if there are sometimes longer waiting times. The offer is very fine, the prices reasonable. I definitely recommend the Villa Wartholz café.
Martina H. (3 years ago)
Nice outdoor dining area, friendly service, great ambience, you like to stay longer.
Ilse Windbüchler (4 years ago)
Very friendly staff in the restaurant There is plenty for shopping. A nice trip there is recommended.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Château de Foix

The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.

In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.