Zacherlfabrik

“Persian powder?” you might ask, scratching your heads. Well, here at the Zacherlfabrik, that’s what put them on the map! Right before your eyes stands not just a factory, but a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of Johann Zacherl. This building, the Zacherlfabrik, became the beating heart of his insecticide empire in the late 19th century. Johann started by importing a special ingredient from Tiflis in 1842 – pyrethrum. This flower, when dried and ground, became the potent weapon against pesky insects in his “Persian powder”, known as Zacherlin. By 1873, this very factory, with just four dedicated workers, churned out a staggering 600 tonnes of Zacherlin a year! From Paris to New York, Istanbul to London, Zacherl’s insecticide flew off the shelves. And if you think the factory’s exterior is something, imagine the hustle and bustle within these walls, the air thick with the aroma of pyrethrum, as workers packaged tins of Zacherlin, ready to conquer the world’s insect population! Though the Zacherlfabrik no longer hums with the activity of a century ago, its unique blend of industry and exotic architecture makes it a landmark you won’t forget in a hurry.