Places of Interest

Palffy Palace (Palais Palffy)

Josefsplatz 6, A-1010, Wien, Tel: 512 5681, Website: www.palais-palffy.at, U-Bahn: Karlsplatz

With origins dating back to the 14th century, the Palais has regularly changed ownership over the years, with the building first belonging to Count Maithburg before being acquired by the Lower Austrian Chancellery, then Siegmund of Herberstein and, during the late 16th Century, Prince Kinsky.

Around this time, it was completely demolished to make way for a Renaissance design by Rudolph Khuen of Belasy. Enlarged to take in part of a building owned by Count Salm, it was eventually passed to his daughter and heiress, Maria Franziska when (through marriage) it became a possession of the Pálffy family.

The Palais’ most momentous day is, without doubt, 16th of October 1762 when child prodigy Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart gave a recital in what is now the Figaro Room. Today, the Palais is still used as an exhibition and concert venue, with regular recitals taking place in the Beethoven and Figaro halls, as well as displays of art in the Große and Hof galleries.

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