District court of Braunau am Inn

The district court of Braunau am Inn is not just a place where justice is served, but also a historical landmark that reflects the cultural and political heritage of the region. The court is housed in a building known as the Weikel or Vequelhaus, which is located at the main square of the town of Braunau am Inn, in Upper Austria. The building has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the 12th century, and has witnessed many changes and events over the centuries.

The Origins of the Weikelhaus

The Weikelhaus was originally a property of the bishops of Passau, who owned most of the land in the area. The first mention of the building dates back to 1160, when it was referred to as the “curia episcopalis” or the episcopal court. The building served as the administrative and judicial center of the bishops, as well as their residence when they visited Braunau.

In 1508, the property was sold to a noble family, Baumgartner von Ering and Frauenstein, who were influential in the local politics and economy. They also held the key to the Inn Gate, which was the main entrance to the town from the river Inn. The gate was located between the Weikelhaus and the tax office, and the key was kept inside the Weikelhaus. The Baumgartners enjoyed a tax exemption for their property, which was hence called the Paumgartensches Freihaus or the Baumgartner’s Free House.

The Renaissance Transformation

In 1584, the Weikelhaus was bought by Jonas von Lindenberg, an imperial councilor and a close associate of Emperor Rudolf II. Lindenberg was a patron of the arts and sciences, and he commissioned a major renovation of the building in the Renaissance style. He hired Italian architects and craftsmen, who added a new facade, a portal, a staircase, and a courtyard to the building. The interior was also decorated with frescoes, paintings, and sculptures.

Lindenberg’s daughter, Anna, married Lothar Weikel zu Hackelstein, a Bavarian nobleman, in 1599. The Weikel family inherited the property and gave it their name. They were loyal to the Habsburg dynasty and supported the Catholic Counter-Reformation. They also hosted many distinguished guests in their house, such as Archduke Ferdinand II, King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, and Prince Eugene of Savoy.

The Napoleonic Era and Beyond

In 1809, Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Austria and occupied Braunau for several months. The Weikel family, who were sympathetic to the French emperor, welcomed him in their house and offered him their services. They also changed their name to Vequel, to sound more French. Napoleon appreciated their hospitality and granted them the title of baron.

In 1818, Theodor Baron Vequel, the last male descendant of the Weikel family, sold the house to the Imperial and Royal Erar, the state treasury of the Austrian Empire. The building was then used as a military hospital, a barracks, a school, and a post office. In 1879, it was finally converted into the district court of Braunau am Inn, which it remains to this day.

The Architectural Features of the Weikelhaus

The Weikelhaus is a remarkable example of the fusion of different architectural styles and influences. The exterior of the building is dominated by the Renaissance facade, which features a symmetrical arrangement of windows, pilasters, and cornices. The facade is also adorned with the coat of arms of the Weikel family, which depicts a lion holding a sword and a shield. The coat of arms is located above the first arched gate, which leads to the courtyard.

The second gate, which leads to the staircase, is decorated with the Austrian double-headed eagle, the symbol of the Habsburg monarchy. The eagle holds a scepter and a globe, representing the imperial power and authority. The gate also bears the inscription “I.R. Bezirksgericht Braunau”, which means “Imperial and Royal District Court of Braunau”.

The interior of the building showcases several baroque elements, such as stucco ceilings, chandeliers, and paintings. The most impressive room is the courtroom, which has a vaulted ceiling with elaborate ornaments and a large painting of Emperor Franz Joseph I. The courtroom also has a wooden gallery, where the public can observe the trials.

Braunau am Inn, Austria