Altes Rathaus, Pinkafeld

The Altes Rathaus Pinkafeld is a former town hall in the town of Pinkafeld in Burgenland. Built in the 17th century as a Freihaus for the Rindsmaul family, it is the oldest surviving building in Pinkafeld. The structure has served many roles over the centuries, including as a courthouse with a pillory, a town hall, a residence, and a kindergarten. Since 1989 it has housed the town, cloth-maker and fire-brigade museum. The building remains under Denkmalschutz, preserving its historic character. The museum inside tells the story of Pinkafeld through three themes. The town section shows how the settlement grew around its market rights. The cloth-maker section recalls Pinkafeld’s long tradition of textile production. The fire-brigade section displays historic equipment and uniforms. Visitors can see original documents, tools and photographs that bring each story to life. Inside the thick stone walls are several small rooms arranged around a central staircase. The ground floor displays the pillory once used for public punishments. Upstairs, the former council chamber now shows exhibits on local government. The attic holds the largest collection, with looms and bolts of cloth from the town’s textile industry. Outside, the building’s simple Baroque façade faces the main square, marking Pinkafeld’s historic heart.