Saurau Palace

The origins of Palais Saurau date back to the years 1564 to 1566. Baron Pangratz von Windischgrätz, to whom Emperor Ferdinand I gifted the building plot, had the residence built near the former Paulustor. In 1629, the palace changed hands when Baron Friedrich von Windischgrätz sold it to Count Carl von Saurau, who, as Styrian governor, gave the building its current name. As Windischgrätz was a Protestant, he had to leave Styria. Under the descendants of the Saurau family, the palace underwent Baroque renovation in the 18th century and subsequently served as the family's town house and administrative seat. Master builder Johann Joachim Carlone was involved in the works around 1694. A neighboring powder tower was acquired and demolished in 1756 to enlarge the garden. After the Saurau line died out, the palace passed into the possession of the related Goeß family in 1846. Restoration took place in 1988/89.