Background

Palais Damian: A Baroque Relic in Josefstadt

Explore Palais Damian in Vienna's Josefstadt: a baroque palace with a rich history, from timber merchant's residence to the Vienna Boys' Choir.

4.5

Palais Damian, a baroque palace in Vienna's Josefstadt district, showcases the city's rich architectural history. Built in 1700, it has served various roles, from a timber merchant's residence to a location for the Vienna Boys' Choir, and now houses an association for people with disabilities.

A brief summary to Palais Damian

Local tips

  • Take a stroll down Lange Gasse to admire the palace's impressive entrance gate.
  • Visit nearby attractions such as the Dreifaltigkeitskirche and Piaristenkirche Maria Treu.
  • Explore the Josefstadt district, known for its charming streets and historic buildings.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Wien Mitte station, take the U3 subway line towards Ottakring and travel four stations to Volkstheater. Use the Burggasse exit, walk along Museumstraße, turn left onto Lerchenfelder Straße, and then turn right onto Lange Gasse. The Palais Damian will be on your right. A single ticket costs EUR 2.40.

  • Walking

    From Rathaus City Hall, walk northeast on Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz, turn right onto Lichtenfelsgasse, then turn left onto Lange Gasse. Continue walking straight, and Palais Damian will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10 minutes.

  • Taxi

    From Wien Hauptbahnhof (main train station), a taxi ride to Palais Damian typically takes 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs approximately EUR 15-20. Alternatively, ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are available.

Unlock the Best of Palais Damian

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Palais Damian

Palais Damian, situated on Lange Gasse in Vienna's Josefstadt, offers a glimpse into the city's baroque past. Constructed around 1700 for Karl August von Damian, a wealthy timber merchant, the palace originally featured open arcades and a flat roof. It was initially known as 'Haus zum Strobelkopf,' a reference to the Viennese term for timber merchants. The architect remains unknown, though some speculate Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt may have contributed to the design. In 1774, Daniel von Zepharovich, a high-ranking civil servant, acquired the Palais and commissioned Matthias Gerl to renovate it. These renovations included adding an upper floor and side wings, which created a courtyard. The arcades were enclosed, and a wall was built around the palace. Over the years, Palais Damian has been home to several notable figures. In 1785, Karl Abraham Wetzlar, a banker and art collector who was also a friend of Mozart, rented the Palais. The Wetzlar family eventually purchased it in 1800 and resided there for about half a century. Later, the Löwenthal-Linau family owned the Palais and leased it to various tenants. From 1885 to 1897, Moritz Szeps, the publisher of the 'Neues Wiener Tagblatt,' lived here. The City of Vienna acquired Palais Damian in 1936. During World War II, it housed the Vienna Boys' Choir. Today, it serves as the headquarters for the KOBV, an association for people with disabilities in Vienna, Lower Austria, and Burgenland. While the palace's exterior, with its projecting side wings and courtyard, evokes a grand impression, the interior has been largely converted into office spaces, and only a small portion of the original garden remains.

Popular Experiences near Palais Damian

Popular Hotels near Palais Damian

Select Currency