Palais Lengheimb

The Palais Lengheimb, located in Graz, is a former city palace. The location of the place is in Bürgergasse, which is situated in the first district of Innere Stadt. There is a palace called Lengheimb in Hans-Sachs-Gasse that belonged to the Lengheimb family.

The palace, constructed in 1577, showcases a stunning Renaissance-style architecture. It was commissioned by Adam von Lengheimb and is officially documented for the first time in 1596. According to Johann Siebmacher, the von Lengheimb family, a noble family, originated from Styria and also established branches in Carniola and Lower Austria. However, Herwig Ebner suggests that the family actually originated from Carniola. The family acquired various dominions, including the East Styrian castles of Kapfenstein and Pertlstein. The family was elevated to the rank of baron in 1620 and to the rank of count in 1674.

In 1732, the palace in Bürgergasse was sold by Counts Andreas and Max Adam von Lengheimb to the Jesuit College. The college used the palace to house a seminary, which was located in the nearby buildings. The Jesuit order extended the building. Following the abolition of the Order in Graz in 1773, the palace was taken over by the Imperial and Royal Court Chamber. During the 19th century, there were multiple instances of ownership changes. The Academic Gymnastics Club owned it from 1927 to 1935. After the conclusion of the Second World War in 1945, the Styrian provincial government assumed control of the facility. Subsequently, the ownership of the facility was transferred to the city of Graz, before ultimately being returned to the gymnastics club. A major renovation took place from 1960 to 1963. Currently, a significant portion of the premises is being rented out.

The four-storey building has a unique feature – a polygonal corner bay window supported by corbels that extends across all of the upper floors. There is a corner bounce stone beneath the bay window that dates back to the time of construction. The simple exterior is defined solely by the windows, which are framed with stone. The Renaissance portal, dating back to the 18th century, features two flanking round pillars and iron-clad gate wings. It provides access to the inner courtyard through a cross-vaulted passage. There are arcades that are adorned with Tuscan columns. The stone plaque, which is located above a ground floor arcade, bears the date 1577. In 1996, a discovery was made at the arcades – plastered sgraffiti was uncovered. The balcony aisles on the west side were added during the later part of the 19th century.