Mozartdenkmal (Purkersdorf)

The Mozartdenkmal in Purkersdorf marks the final meeting between Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his father Leopold on 25 April 1785. It stands in the town’s main square, surrounded by historic buildings like the former post station and the inn where they likely dined. A nearby milestone recalls Purkersdorf’s place on the old road to St Pölten. The monument grew from a 2006 NHK World documentary about that last goodbye. Local councillor Christian Matzka led plans from 2012 to 2015, choosing sculptor Dragutin Santek, a Purkersdorf resident, to create the life-size bronze figures. Unveiled in late 2017 and formally welcomed in May 2018, it includes a bronze plaque explaining the scene. Visitors see the two figures shaking hands, Leopold on the left, Wolfgang on the right, each exactly 1.63 metres tall. The square itself retains its historic character, with the former customs house and the inn now called Nikodemus close by. A small plaque in the pavement tells the story beneath their feet.