Sankt Barbara Spital

The Sankt Barbara Spital stands on the western edge of Münzbach in Upper Austria. Built in 1620 as a hospital for the poor of nearby Altenburg, it later became Joachim Enzmilner’s foundation for twelve residents. The Dominicans from Münzbach’s Dominican monastery managed the charity for centuries. Its wealth grew from careful stewardship and donations to nearly 10,000 gulden by the 19th century. By the mid-18th century the fund had become a respected local bank, lending money to townsfolk and farmers at interest. After 1848 the property passed to the municipal authorities and remains in their care today. The building shows a plain plaster façade with corner stones and string courses. Above the entrance a cartouche displays Enzmilner’s coat of arms and the date 1640. Inside, modern flats and a day-care centre occupy the former wards. A plaque marks the site on the Enzmilner Culture Trail.