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Burg Wels Museum

Burg Wels Museum

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Burg Wels Museum: A Look into History

Wels Castle was an important administrative centre for centuries and symbolises the eventful history of the region. Today it houses the Wels Castle Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into the history of the castle, the city catfish and significant historical events. The core of the castle dates back to the 12th century and has been expanded and rebuilt many times over the centuries. Particularly noteworthy is the castle's role as the residence of Emperor Maximilian I, whose history and influence come to life here.

Short info:

Where is Wels Castle? Burggasse 13, 4600 Wels
How old is Wels Castle? The origins date back to the 12th century.
What can you see in the Burg Wels Museum? Exhibits on the history of the castle, the city of Wels and Emperor Maximilian I.
How long does a visit last? about 1 hour
What special historical events are associated with Wels Castle? Emperor Maximilian I died here in 1519.
Is Wels Castle barrier-free? Partially barrier-free, but with restrictions due to the historical building structure.
What are the entrance fees for the Burg Wels Museum? Adults 7€, here you can find all prices.
When is it open? Tuesday-Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Saturday: 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Sunday and public holidays: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday closed

What is there to see in the Burg Wels Museum?

The Burg Wels Museum offers a variety of exhibits that document the history of the castle, the town and the region. Highlights include a comprehensive collection on the history of Emperor Maximilian I, as well as the exhibition on the development of the bourgeoisie in the 19th century, which provides a deep insight into the lives of the citizens of Wels. Special attention is also paid to the history of the castle as the administrative center of a far-reaching agricultural complex. The exhibition also addresses the transformation of the town of Wels in the 19th century and the associated social changes.

Another exciting part of the museum is the presentation of the military and cultural history of the region. Numerous artifacts, documents and interactive displays illustrate how the city developed over the centuries. There are also special exhibitions on historical figures and events that shaped the history of Wels.

History of Wels Castle

Wels Castle was originally the administrative centre of a huge agricultural estate complex that included more than 7,000 people in the 18th century. At that time, the manorial estate extended from Grieskirchen to the Alm and Krems valleys. For many centuries, the castle was owned by the sovereigns, who appointed their representative, the Vogt, who administered both the castle and the town of Wels. This dual function repeatedly led to conflicts between the town and the castle governors. With the handover of the castle to the Princes of Auersperg in 1654, direct rule over the town ended.

Over the centuries, the castle has undergone numerous reconstructions and extensions. Particularly significant was the reconstruction under Emperor Maximilian I from 1508 to 1514, which shaped the castle's current architectural form. The imposing bay window on the facade facing the castle courtyard dates from this period. Emperor Maximilian I himself died in Wels Castle on January 12, 1519, which made the complex an important historical site.

Emperor Maximilian I and his connection to the castle

Maximilian I was an important ruler of the Habsburgs and a central figure in German-Austrian history. He is often referred to as "the last knight" because, on the one hand, he was rooted in the traditions of the Middle Ages, but on the other hand he also initiated many innovations in politics and culture. During his reign, he carried out numerous reforms and played a key role in the Habsburgs' rise to world power. Maximilian was a guest at Wels Castle several times and had the fortress rebuilt by 1514, in which he shaped the structural changes.

The Kaiser Panorama in Wels

The Kaiser Panorama was one of the first modern entertainment tools that offered people a "view" of the world. In 1903, a branch of the Kaiser Panorama opened in Wels. This "round peep box" showed pictures that created three-dimensional impressions using a special technique and gave visitors the feeling that they were actually experiencing the scenes depicted. The Kaiser Panorama showed photos of distant countries, cities and current events and was a window to the world for the general public. It was operated until 1954 and also served as a teaching aid for schools, which used the pictures to address political, cultural and social topics.