Schloss Eggenburg is a baroque palace on the outskirts of Graz. It was built by the Eggenburger, financiers to the Holy Roman Empire and masters of the royal mint. Normally you have to pay to get in, but it was free on the Ascension Day bank holiday (or Himmelfahrt as they have it in German) when I happened to be nearby.
It’s also famous for its free-roaming peacocks.
Strong vibes of The Prisoner
The statue commemerates hosting Emperor Leopold. As he was a Habsburg, I imagine it’s a very flattering portrayal.
Look at me
The central courtyard of the palace. I imagine getting married here costs a lot.
As the family ran the mint, there’s a collection of historical coins on display. “Taking owls to Athens” is the German version of “taking coals to Newcastle”
I like these incompetent coins. Happy Shopper own brand money.
This banknote is about as much money as a peasant would see in a year. No wonder it’s so huge. Even 150 years later, Kafka was only getting 80 per month at the insurance company.
No birds or mice will steal these coins.
There is also an impressive medieval and early modern art collection at the castle.
The most intimidating Mary I’ve ever seen
I love it when medieval artists try to draw animals they’ve never seen
This Saint Sebastian looks weirdly like Isaac Newton
The Triumph of Death by Pieter Brueghel
The Judgement of Paris by Lucas Cranach the Elder.
The Death of Lucretia by Cranach
A still life by Harmen Steenwyck
A different still life by Pieter Claesz
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