Description of the attraction
The Old Square of Klagenfurt is only a few steps away from the New Square. The dominant and main decoration of the Old Square is the former residence of Messrs. Welzer, built in the 17th century. The three-story building with a clock on the pediment, thanks to its favorable location, was transformed into a local mayor's office in 1736.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the city council began to feel burdened by the too small building of the Old Town Hall, in which there was no place for the ever-growing bureaucratic apparatus. The city fathers went to work every day past the majestic Rosenberg Palace, which was located on the neighboring, New Square. Its facade took up an entire block. The building was much more spacious than the Old Town Hall. Then the city government held negotiations with the Rosenberg nobles, as a result of which all officials moved to New Square in the former Rosenberg residence, which henceforth became known as the New Town Hall. The old town hall was placed at the disposal of Messrs. Orsini-Rosenbergs, who still own this building.
Above the main arched portal in the Renaissance style, they placed a small relief image of their coat of arms, which cannot compete with the bright frescoes on the facade of the Old Town Hall. In 1739, the building was decorated with an allegorical depiction of Justice. The author of this painting is the famous painter Josef Ferdinand Fromiller. Next to the figure of Justice, you can see two coats of arms - the province of Carinthia and the city of Klagenfurt. A courtyard with beautiful arcades is accessible for inspection, which can be reached by going through the main portal.
