Amalie-Redlich-Turm Travel Guide

Perched atop the Mönchsberg, the Amalie-Redlich-Turm offers a unique blend of history, art, and panoramic views, making it a compelling destination for visitors to Salzburg. Originally constructed between 1891 and 1892, the tower served as a water reservoir and ice storage facility. It was essential for the operation of a restaurant established by Karl Leitner, an entrepreneur and owner of an electricity plant. Designed by architect Carl Demel in the style of a medieval fortress, the tower not only provided practical functions but also served as an observation point for visitors using Leitner's electrically powered Mönchsberg lift.The tower's strategic location and design quickly made it a popular attraction. Adorned with heraldic shields acquired from the art trade, the tower offered breathtaking views of Salzburg and the surrounding Alps.In 2014, the former water tower was officially renamed the Amalie-Redlich-Turm. This was in honor of Amalie Redlich, the one-time owner of Gustav Klimt's painting "Litzlberg am Attersee". This painting was once a prominent piece in the collection of the Museum der Moderne Salzburg. Amalie Redlich, a member of the Zuckerkandl family, tragically faced persecution during World War II. She and her daughter Mathilde were deported by the Nazis in 1941 and ultimately murdered. The painting was seized by the Gestapo. Following extensive research, the painting was restituted to her heir, Georges Jorisch, in 2011. Georges Jorisch generously donated funds to support the conversion of the former water tower into a center for art education.Today, the Amalie-Redlich-Turm houses offices, art education spaces, and a studio apartment for artists. It stands as a testament to Salzburg's rich history and cultural heritage. Its transformation from a functional water tower to a center for art education reflects the city's commitment to preserving its past while embracing the future.