Bürgerspital Annamühle

Bürgerspital Annamühle, is a complex that dates back to the 13th century and has served various purposes over the centuries. The Bürgerspital Annamühle, which means “citizens’ hospital Anna mill”, consists of a former residential and nursing home, a chapel, a mill, a brewery, and a garden. The complex has witnessed many events and changes in the history of Baden and Austria, and has been preserved as a cultural heritage site.

The Origins of the Bürgerspital Annamühle

The Bürgerspital Annamühle was originally established as a public hospital in the late Middle Ages, providing housing, care, and alms to the poor and sick of Baden. The hospital was located in the same building that stands today at Heiligenkreuzer Gasse 4, a street named after the nearby Cistercian monastery of Heiligenkreuz. The hospital was under the basic service of the monastery, which owned the land and the water rights of the Baden Mühlbach, a stream that powered the mill and the brewery. The section of the building that is referred to as the “Anna mill” is one of the oldest parts of the complex. It is documented in records from 1312 and 1317, indicating its presence during that time. However, it is widely believed that the mill had already been established in the 13th century, as it was a common practice to build mills near streams. The mill was named after Saint Anna, the patron saint of the hospital. Some of the earlier names for the mill include Spital, Bruck, Ochsen, or Wilhelm mill, reflecting the different owners or functions of the mill over time.

The Reconstruction of the Bürgerspital Annamühle

The Bürgerspital Annamühle faced many challenges and difficulties throughout its history. One of the most devastating events was the Turkish invasion of 1529, which destroyed the public hospital and many other buildings in Baden. The hospital also suffered from financial problems due to the economic crisis that occurred during that time. The judges and council of Baden made efforts to rebuild the hospital and support the needs of the poor. On June 4, 1537, they obtained approval from the bishop’s official in Passau to sell the church property in Baden. The proceeds from the sale, amounting to 70 guilders, were designated for two purposes: rebuilding the public hospital and supporting the needs of the poor. However, the real solution to the problem came in 1542, thanks to the generous donation of Knight Gerwig Auer von Herrenkirchen, a nobleman and a benefactor of Baden. Gerwig Auer von Herrenkirchen donated a significant portion of his wealth to the Badener Bürgerspital, which greatly helped the community in their endeavors to revive and restore the institution. In 1525, he had purchased a property that included a court in Baden, along with a garden and a nearby mill powered by the Baden Mühlbach. The property was granted the rank of Freihof, or nobleman’s residence, likely due to its owner’s status. However, it still remained under the basic service of the Heiligenkreuz monastery. Gerwig Auer von Herrenkirchen also issued a foundation letter, which stated the rules and regulations for the management and operation of the Bürgerspital. According to the letter, the judges and councilors of Baden were required to select a hospital manager, who would be responsible for taking care of the inmates and managing the foundation’s assets. Additionally, the hospital manager would be responsible for keeping track of the alms received, which would be audited annually during Christmas by the judges and councilors in the presence of the pastor. The inmates of the hospital were responsible for praying for the salvation of all donors, with a special focus on Gerwig Auer von Herrenkirchen and his two wives. Gerwig Auer von Herrenkirchen passed away in 1551 and was laid to rest in the parish church near Baden. In 1545, the assets of the Baden Augustinian hermit monastery were entrusted to the Bürgerspital, as the monastery was dissolved by the Reformation. However, in 1583, it was decided that these assets would be returned to the Heiligenkreuz monastery, as the monastery had regained its influence and authority in Baden.

The Development of the Bürgerspital Annamühle

The Bürgerspital Annamühle continued to serve as a public hospital and a charitable institution for the next two centuries. The complex also developed and expanded its facilities and functions, such as the chapel, the mill, and the brewery. The chapel in the civic hospital, which had been restored after the destruction caused by the Turkish invasion of 1683, received a bell in 1701. The bell was cast by Johann Georg Schönberger, a famous bell maker from Vienna. The bell bore the inscription “Soli Deo Gloria” (Glory to God alone) and the coat of arms of the city of Baden. In honor of the 200th anniversary of its founding in 1742, a significant commemorative plaque was installed in the first courtyard of the building during the tenure of magistrate Georg Reinwald. The plaque features a chronogram, a phrase that contains a hidden date when the letters that are also Roman numerals are added up. The chronogram reads “DIVo GerwIgIo AVro ab herrenkIrChen et ConIVgIbVs eIVs pIIs fVnDatorIbVs” (To the divine Gerwig Auer von Herrenkirchen and his pious wives, the founders), which adds up to 1742. Auxiliary Bishop Josef Heinrich Breitenbucher reconsecrated the St. Anne chapel in 1745, as the chapel had been damaged by a fire in 1744. The chapel was decorated with paintings by Johann Georg Schmidt, a renowned painter from Baden. The paintings depict scenes from the life of Saint Anna, such as her marriage to Joachim, the birth of Mary, and the presentation of Mary in the temple. In 1746, Maria Theresa, the empress of Austria and the queen of Hungary, established a commission that provided a description of the Badener Bürgerspital as follows: At this institution, twelve individuals, consisting of six men and six women, were provided with housing, care, food, drinks, and clothing. The complex includes a hospital building with a dedicated chapel to Saint Anna, a mill with three gears, a brewery, and a garden. All of these components are maintained and serviced by the Heiligenkreuz monastery. Difficulties arose in 1753 when the hospital mill was sold, as it was challenging to separate it from the hospital building. The mill was sold to Johann Georg Schönberger, the same bell maker who had cast the bell for the chapel. The mill was later acquired by the city of Baden in 1784.

The Legacy of the Bürgerspital Annamühle

The Bürgerspital Annamühle ceased to function as a public hospital in the mid-19th century, as the city of Baden built a new hospital in 1847. The complex was then used for various purposes, such as a school, a museum, a library, and a cultural center. The complex was also renovated and restored several times, preserving its historical and architectural value. Today, the Bürgerspital Annamühle is a cultural heritage site that attracts many visitors and tourists. The complex offers guided tours, exhibitions, concerts, and events that showcase the history and culture of Baden and Austria. The complex also hosts the Baden City Archive, which contains valuable documents and records related to the city’s past. The Bürgerspital Annamühle is a remarkable example of how a building can adapt and evolve over time, while still retaining its original identity and purpose.

The Bürgerspital Annamühle Today

The Bürgerspital Annamühle is not only a historical landmark, but also a lively and vibrant cultural center. The complex hosts various events and activities throughout the year, such as exhibitions, concerts, lectures, workshops, and festivals. Some of the highlights include the Baden Literature Days, the Baden Music Festival, the Baden Advent Market, and the Baden Carnival. The complex also offers guided tours that introduce the visitors to the history and architecture of the Bürgerspital Annamühle, as well as the stories and legends that surround it. The complex is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The admission fee is 4 euros for adults, 2 euros for students and seniors, and free for children under 14 years old. The Bürgerspital Annamühle is a must-see attraction for anyone who visits Baden and wants to experience its rich and diverse culture.

Baden bei Wien, Austria