Carved in stone, a silent story awaits near B\u00fcrgerspitalwald Weidlingau. This is B\u00fcrgerspitalwald Weidlingau Grenzsteintyp 5, Stein 3. It stands as a testament to Vienna’s long and complex history.
This particular stone is one of many Grenzsteine or boundary stones. These stones marked the territories of the Grundherrschaften. Grundherrschaften were landowners. They were important in medieval and early modern times. The stones defined property lines.
B\u00fcrgerspitalwald Weidlingau Grenzsteintyp 5, Stein 3 is more than just a marker. It represents a time when land ownership was critical. It was critical for resources and power. The B\u00fcrgerspital, or citizens’ hospital, acquired forests since the 13th century. These forests were within and just outside Vienna. They were part of the B\u00fcrgerspital’s manorial rights.
Look closely at the stone. It is of Grenzsteintyp 5. This stone shows that it was erected in 1778 under Maria Theresa’s rule. It separated the B\u00fcrgerspital’s forest from land owned by the sovereign. The inscription reads MT 1778 and N. 622 and BS. MT stands for Maria Theresa. BS stands for B\u00fcrgerspital.
The Wiener B\u00fcrgerspital owned several forests. These included Kalksburger Wald and Weidlingauer Wald. They also owned Hadersdorfer B\u00fcrgerspitalwald. These forests provided essential resources. They supplied building materials and firewood. They even supplied wine stakes.
In 1748, the Spitalsw\u00e4lder were measured. Their yield was assessed. The Rotwasserwald measured 95,542.75 Quadratklafter. The Wurzbachwald measured 59,571.25 Quadratklafter. The Hadersdorfer Wald measured 48,810.5 Quadratklafter.
Consider the importance of these forests. They were crucial for Vienna’s economy. They were essential for the B\u00fcrgerspital’s function. The B\u00fcrgerspital provided care for citizens.
The B\u00fcrgerspitalwald Weidlingau Grenzsteintyp 5, Stein 3 stands as a witness. It is a witness to the shifting landscape. It is a witness to changing ownership. In 1941, the forests became the property of the city of Vienna. This happened when the Nazis dissolved the B\u00fcrgerspitalfonds.
Notice the number on the stone, 622. It links this stone to a specific survey. It is a specific demarcation in the forest. Each marker played a role in maintaining order. It prevented disputes.
Imagine the forest in Maria Theresa’s time. Forest masters ensured enough timber was produced. This timber needed sufficient energy density. It was needed for transport to the city.
Today, the B\u00fcrgerspitalwald Weidlingau Grenzsteintyp 5, Stein 3 remains. It connects us to Vienna’s past. It reminds us of the importance of land. It reminds us of resources. It reminds us of the careful stewardship of those resources. It is a piece of Vienna’s history. It is preserved in stone.