Schloss Hetzendorf, Baroque château in Meidling, Austria.
Schloss Hetzendorf is a baroque château in Meidling featuring a central structure flanked by two balanced wings with ornately decorated façades. Today it functions as a fashion school while preserving its original architectural character from the late 1600s.
The building was constructed in 1694 as a hunting lodge for Count Sigismund von Thun und Hohenstein. It underwent major renovations and redesigns under Empress Maria Theresa in 1743.
The chapel inside features ceiling frescoes by Daniel Gran with ornate details reflecting baroque craftsmanship. A Japanese room inspired by François de Cuvilliés shows the aristocratic fascination with exotic cultures from that era.
The château is easily reached by public transportation from Vienna's main railway stations. Keep in mind that it now serves as a school, so visitor access may be limited.
During a smallpox outbreak in 1762, the building served as a medical facility for children, showing its capacity to adapt to urgent public needs. This healthcare role remains a lesser-known chapter in its long history.
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