Schloss Auhof

Schloss Auhof stands in Linz’s Dornach-Auhof district. Built in the 16th century, it is the only partly preserved noble country seat within the city limits. From the 17th to the 20th century the Starhemberg family owned the estate, using it as both a residence and a working farm with a brewery. The Starhembergs left their mark on the building during the late 17th century, adding a schloss-like wing and the present baroque entrance gate. After the Second World War the Russians occupied the house, causing heavy damage before it passed to the city of Linz in 1961. Today the Republic of Austria owns the site, which now houses the administration of Johannes Kepler University. Visitors find a h-shaped main building with varied storey heights and a slate mansard roof. The south front has three storeys and a simple granite portal dated 1630. A rectangular park and pond lie behind the house, making the grounds a popular walk. Inside, the oldest vault—a ribbed barrel ceiling from the 1560s—remains in the north-east ground-floor room.