Schlossguggerhaus

The Schlossguggerhaus is the oldest remaining structure in Dornbirn, Austria, dating back to the High Middle Ages. The building was erected using the post and beam method and has been dendrochronologically proved to date approximately 1294, making it one of Austria’s oldest construction.

A 13th Century Gem

The Schlossguggerhaus is located at Sebastianstrasse 24, in the Oberdorf area of Dornbirn. The name Schlossguggerhaus means “castle watcher’s house”, and according to local folklore, it was once the residence of the caretaker of the nearby Oberdorf tower, a medieval fortification that was partly destroyed by fire in the 17th century. The Schlossguggerhaus and the Oberdorf tower are situated at the crossroads of Sebastianstrasse and Bergstrasse, facing the Zanzenberg hill, which offers a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding mountains.

The Schlossguggerhaus was built in the late 13th century, using the post and beam method, a traditional technique of timber framing that involves joining wooden beams with mortise and tenon joints, secured by wooden pegs. The building has been dendrochronologically dated to approximately 1294, making it one of the oldest constructions of its kind in Austria. The building is also recognized as an example of an anonymous rural structure, meaning that it was not designed by a known architect, but rather by local craftsmen, using local materials and skills.

The Schlossguggerhaus has a rectangular floor plan, measuring about 10 by 7 meters, and consists of two stories and an attic. The ground floor is made of stone, and was probably used as a storage space or a workshop. The upper floor and the attic are made of wood, and were probably used as living quarters. The roof is covered with wooden shingles, and has a steep pitch, typical of alpine architecture. The exterior walls are decorated with carved wooden panels, some of which feature floral motifs, geometric patterns, or inscriptions. The interior walls are plastered and painted with lime wash, a natural and durable coating that gives the rooms a bright and airy feel.

The Schlossguggerhaus has undergone several modifications and renovations over the centuries, but has retained its original character and charm. The most significant changes occurred in the 15th and 16th centuries, when the building was converted into a mixed wood and stone construction, and some of the wooden beams were replaced with stone pillars. The building was also extended to the east, and a staircase was added to the south side. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the building was divided into several apartments, and some of the windows and doors were altered. In the 20th century, the building was restored and modernized, with the installation of electricity, plumbing, and heating. However, the historical features and details were preserved and protected, and the building was listed as a cultural monument in 1974.

A Witness of History

The Schlossguggerhaus is not only a remarkable example of medieval architecture, but also a witness of the history and culture of Dornbirn and its surroundings. The building reflects the social and economic conditions of its time, as well as the influences of various political and religious forces that shaped the region.

The Schlossguggerhaus was built at a time when Dornbirn was part of the County of Montfort, a feudal state that ruled over parts of present-day Vorarlberg, Switzerland, and Germany. The Montforts were a powerful and influential dynasty, that had close ties with the Habsburgs, the rulers of the Holy Roman Empire. The Montforts were also patrons of the arts and culture, and supported the development of towns, churches, and monasteries in their domains. The Schlossguggerhaus may have been built by or for one of the Montforts, or by one of their vassals or officials, as a sign of their status and authority.

The Schlossguggerhaus also witnessed the turbulent events of the Reformation and the Counter-Reformation, the religious movements that divided Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries. Dornbirn was initially a Catholic area, but in the 1520s, it was influenced by the Protestant teachings of Martin Luther and Ulrich Zwingli, who challenged the doctrines and practices of the Roman Church. Many of the inhabitants of Dornbirn converted to the new faith, and the Schlossguggerhaus may have been one of the places where they gathered and worshipped. However, in the 1580s, the Habsburgs launched a campaign of repression and reconversion, and Dornbirn was forced to return to Catholicism. The Schlossguggerhaus may have been one of the targets of the Habsburgs’ wrath, and may have suffered damage or confiscation during this period.

The Schlossguggerhaus also survived the wars and invasions that plagued Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries, such as the Thirty Years’ War, the War of the Spanish Succession, and the Napoleonic Wars. During these conflicts, Dornbirn was often occupied by foreign troops, who plundered and pillaged the town and its surroundings. According to local legend, the Schlossguggerhaus was connected to the Oberdorf tower by an underground passage, and that some of the wealthy families of Dornbirn used this passage to hide their valuables from the invaders. However, the legend also says that the French soldiers discovered and looted the treasure, and that some of the gold coins can still be found in the soil around the Schlossguggerhaus.

The Schlossguggerhaus also witnessed the industrial and social changes that transformed Dornbirn in the 19th and 20th centuries. Dornbirn became a center of textile production and trade, and attracted many workers and immigrants from other parts of Austria and Europe. The Schlossguggerhaus was one of the few old buildings that remained in the town, as many others were demolished or replaced by new and modern constructions. The Schlossguggerhaus also served as a home for several families and individuals, who left their mark on the building and its history. Some of the notable residents of the Schlossguggerhaus were:

– Johann Georg Waibel (1777-1849), a painter and sculptor, who decorated some of the rooms with his artworks.
– Josef Anton Moosbrugger (1809-1878), a politician and lawyer, who was one of the leaders of the Vorarlberg uprising of 1848, a revolt against the Habsburgs that aimed to establish a democratic and independent state.
– Franz Michael Felder (1839-1869), a writer and social reformer, who was one of the founders of the Dornbirn Workers’ Association, a movement that advocated for the rights and welfare of the textile workers.
– Maria Riezler (1877-1961), a teacher and poet, who wrote several poems and stories inspired by the Schlossguggerhaus and its surroundings.

A Cultural Treasure

Today, the Schlossguggerhaus is not only a historical monument, but also a cultural treasure, that attracts and inspires many visitors and artists. The building is open to the public, and offers guided tours, exhibitions, and events, that showcase its history and significance. The building is also used as a venue for concerts, lectures, workshops, and meetings, that promote the local and regional culture and heritage. The building is also a source of inspiration for many writers, painters, photographers, and musicians, who use the Schlossguggerhaus as a motif or a backdrop for their works.

The Schlossguggerhaus is a unique and valuable asset for Dornbirn and Austria, as it represents a rare and authentic example of medieval architecture, and a witness of the history and culture of the region.

Dornbirn, Austria