Josefsbad, Baden, Lower Austria

The Josefsbad stands in Baden, a town in Lower Austria, as a former public bathhouse now turned restaurant. Its history begins in the 17th century when it was known as Rohrbadl am Anger and owned by the Augustinian monastery. After damage in 1683, it was rebuilt in 1697 as a rectangular baroque structure with a grand entrance. In 1804, a round domed wing was added, inspired by classical forms. The building later underwent renovations in 1877 and 1995, preserving its architectural character. Constanze Mozart, wife of the composer, visited the baths in 1791 during her stay in Baden. The building narrowly escaped demolition in the late 19th century when plans for a grand new structure were proposed but never realised. After the Second World War, it reopened as a bathhouse before becoming a restaurant in the 1970s. The surrounding tram loop was removed in 1989, allowing for improved public space around the site. Visitors today find a single-storey rectangular building with a hipped roof, pilasters and rounded corners. The western entrance features a projecting porch with curved edges, while the eastern side has a domed pavilion with tall arched windows framed by half-columns. Inside, the restaurant preserves original architectural details like the profiled gables above doors and windows. The quiet surroundings and classical design create a dignified atmosphere, blending history with modern use.