Ansitz Waidburg: A Historic Gem in Natters

Ansitz Waidburg, situated in the charming village of Natters near Innsbruck, is a captivating historical site with a story stretching back centuries. Built in 1518 by the Yphofer brothers, Wendelin (Mayor of Innsbruck) and Ambras, the manor was granted tax-free status and nobility by Emperor Maximilian I. The name 'Waidburg' suggests its historical use as a hunting residence for Tyrolean rulers. Throughout its history, Ansitz Waidburg has passed through numerous owners, including members of the nobility, clergy, and academia. It was once renowned for its therapeutic bathing cures, attracting visitors seeking relief from ailments. In the latter half of the 20th century, it functioned as a youth hostel. Today, Ansitz Waidburg serves as the Gemeindeamt (town hall) of Natters. The building's architecture features a three-story cubic structure topped with a hipped roof and a round-arched portal. While some of its original decorative elements, such as the Tyrolean Eagle and ducal hat, have been replaced with a modern municipal coat-of-arms, the building retains its historical charm. Inside, a late-Gothic chapel, adorned with a net vault and tendril motifs uncovered in 1974, adds to the building's allure. Although currently used for storage, the chapel stands as a testament to the manor's rich heritage. Visitors can admire the five-axis facade facing the village street and the three-axis side fronts, complete with brown-black shutters on the upper floors. Ansitz Waidburg is a tangible link to Natters' past, housing the municipal office, a public library, and offices for various businesses.