PATRICIAN HOUSE NO. 73
Introduction
Patrician House No. 73 is among the most important burgher buildings in the historic centre. Its origins date to the mid-sixteenth century, and its original layout from around 1540 still forms the core of the structure.
Historical Development
The great fire of 1873 influenced the building’s later modifications. Restoration reflected historicising trends of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
In 1861 the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of St. Charles Borromeo purchased the property and established a convent. A Neo-Gothic chapel was added in the courtyard. After the sisters left, the building returned to residential use.
In the early twentieth century, renovations were carried out under the direction of builder Franz Rehn. For a short period, the first municipal museum was also located here.
Description
The house is a two-storey terraced building with an open courtyard and rear wing. The street façade features Baroque-inspired elements. The ground floor includes a portal with horizontal rustication. The upper floors are accentuated by profiled window surrounds with vegetal stucco decoration. Renaissance ribbed vaults are preserved in the entrance passage.
Heritage Value
House No. 73 represents an important example of burgher architecture with a preserved Renaissance core complemented by later layers. Owing to its retained historic structures, it is listed as a protected cultural monument.
