Palais Schlick

On this very spot, where the imposing Palais Schlick now stands, a much darker history once unfolded. From 1270 to 1788, this was the site of the Rabenstein, Vienna’s infamous execution grounds. Imagine a chilling brick terrace where the condemned met their fate. Palais Schlick, built between 1856 and 1858, replaced this grim landmark. It was commissioned by Franz Heinrich Reichsgraf von Schlick and designed by architect Carl Tietz. The construction was overseen by city builder Anton Grűnn. This five-story palace, a striking example of early historicism, boasts a unique architectural feature: its rounded corner tower. Originally a story shorter, the tower was later raised in 1872, adding another level. This addition subtly altered the tower’s profile while preserving the original design’s emphasis on the elevated side facades. The tower’s encircling balconies provide a strong horizontal contrast to the verticality of the side facades. Pilasters stand between the tower’s windows on each level, replaced by captivating caryatids on the fourth floor. Above a square base, adorned with a toothed cornice, rises the grooved facade. Arched windows with simple straight canopies add a touch of elegance. Only on the attic floor are these windows framed by pilasters. The facade facing Türkenstraße is punctuated by three-axis rounded portals. The three window axes of the two floors above are accentuated by continuous balconies. The fourth floor features three individual balconies, adding to the building’s visual rhythm. The palace’s grand entrance through a three-axis rounded portal leads into a vestibule comprised of two equally sized rooms. The front room is enclosed and domed, while the back room opens through arcades to two staircases. Look closely at the ceiling and wall decorations. The military emblems and romantic knight’s heads reflect the social standing of the original owner, Count Schlick. Today, Palais Schlick serves as an office and commercial building, a testament to its enduring presence in Vienna’s vibrant cityscape.