“WG 1677 N BS TRO” The inscription on this three-sided stone speaks volumes. This is the Bürgerspitalwald Weidlingau Grenzsteintyp 2.
This unassuming boundary stone is far more than just a marker. It’s a silent witness to centuries of history. It stands at the intersection of three significant areas: the Bürgerspitalwald the Deutschordenswald in Purkersdorf and former imperial lands.
The Bürgerspitalwald itself has a rich history. The Vienna Bürgerspital acquired extensive forests. These forests were part of the hospital’s land holdings. They included this Weidlingau forest. This specific section the Bürgerspitalwald Weidlingau Grenzsteintyp 2 was acquired in 1386. It was purchased from the imperial forest master Hanns von Dietrichstock.
This particular stone was placed in 1677. It was part of an imperial boundary survey. The “WG” on the stone stands for the municipality of Weidlingau. Weidlingau engaged in a land swap with the imperial authorities in 1817. The municipality then reworked some boundary markers including this one. This is a detail often overlooked.
Imagine the surveyors of 1677. They meticulously established the boundaries. They used this very stone. Their work ensured clarity. It prevented disputes between landowners.
This inconspicuous stone in the Bürgerspitalwald Weidlingau Grenzsteintyp 2 tells a story. It tells a story of land ownership and the careful management of resources. It is a testament to the enduring efforts to maintain order and stability. It silently marks the passage of time. The Bürgerspitalwald Weidlingau Grenzsteintyp 2 endures. This three-sided stone remains a lasting reminder of historical boundaries and the meticulous efforts to define and maintain them. It is a remarkable piece of Vienna’s history.