Kornmesserhaus

The Kornmesserhaus in Bruck a der Mur is a historic building that dates back to the late 15th century. It is considered one of the most beautiful Gothic secular buildings in Austria, and it reflects the wealth and influence of its original owner, Pankraz Kornmeß, who was a hammer lord and a trader of iron and arsenic. The Kornmesserhaus has a distinctive Venetian-style facade with open arcades and a loggia, as well as a coat of arms of Kornmeß embedded in the wall. The building was used as the town hall from 1622 to 1629, and it was severely damaged by a fire in 1792. It was later restored and is now a popular tourist attraction and a coffee house.

The Kornmesserhaus was built between 1499 and 1505 by Pankraz Kornmeß, a hammer lord and a merchant who had extensive trade relations with Venice and other Italian cities. He commissioned the building as his residence and as a symbol of his status and power. The Kornmesserhaus is influenced by the Venetian palaces of the time, especially in its facade, which features open arcades with richly decorated columns and arches, a loggia with a balustrade, and a gable with a pointed roof. The facade is also adorned with various sculptures and reliefs, such as a lion, a unicorn, a dragon, and a coat of arms of Kornmeß. The coat of arms shows a pair of scales, a reference to his surname, which means “grain measurer” in German.

The interior of the Kornmesserhaus is equally impressive, with spacious rooms, vaulted ceilings, and wooden paneling. The most notable room is the hall on the first floor, which has a large fireplace, a painted ceiling, and a mural depicting the Last Judgment. The hall was used for hosting banquets, receptions, and ceremonies, and it also served as a courtroom for the town council. The Kornmesserhaus also has a cellar, where Kornmeß stored his goods and products, such as iron, arsenic, wine, and salt.

The Kornmesserhaus is not only a remarkable example of Gothic architecture, but also a testimony to the economic and social history of Bruck an der Mur and the region. The building reflects the prosperity and influence of the hammer lords, who were the owners and operators of the ironworks in the nearby mountains. The hammer lords were responsible for producing and exporting high-quality iron and steel products, such as weapons, tools, and armor, to various markets in Europe and beyond. They also traded other commodities, such as arsenic, which was used for making glass, pigments, and medicines. The hammer lords formed a powerful and wealthy elite, who had privileges and rights granted by the emperor and the archduke of Austria. They also played an important role in the political and cultural life of the town, as they were members of the town council, patrons of the arts, and benefactors of the church.

The Kornmesserhaus witnessed many historical events and changes in the course of its existence. It was used as the town hall from 1622 to 1629, when the original town hall was demolished to make way for a new one. It was severely damaged by a fire in 1792, which destroyed most of the town. It was later restored and renovated, and it became a private property. In the 20th century, it was used for various purposes, such as a school, a museum, and a library. Since 1997, it has been a coffee house, where visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee and a slice of cake while admiring the historic atmosphere and the view of the main square.

The Kornmesserhaus is one of the main attractions and landmarks of Bruck an der Mur, and it is a must-see for anyone who visits the town. It is a Gothic jewel that showcases the beauty and the heritage of the town and the region. It is also a reminder of the achievements and the legacy of the hammer lords, who shaped the history and the identity of Bruck an der Mur and its people.