“A chilling wind whispers secrets through the Ploetzhof’s stones”. This isn’t just any building. The Ploetzhof in Hof bei Salzburg is one of the oldest structures in the village. It stands as a silent witness to centuries of history. More specifically it was once a prison. A grim place known as a “Keiche”.
The Ploetzhof’s dungeon dates back to the early 16th century. Rough-hewn stones form its chilling walls. It was built on solid rock. Imagine the despair of those imprisoned within. The name “Keiche” comes from the Middle High German word “kichen” meaning “to breathe heavily”. A fitting name for a place that stole one’s breath away. Not only for its dark history but for its sheer existence.
The Ploetzhof’s “Keiche” wasn’t just a holding cell. It served as a prison for those who couldn’t pay fines. They had to endure harsh conditions. Can you imagine the sounds? The groans of the imprisoned? The guards’ heavy footsteps echoing in the darkness? The Ploetzhof was more than just a jail. It was a symbol of justice. Or rather the lack thereof.
After the “Keiche” was abandoned the building was repurposed. It became a farm. Imagine the stark contrast. The sounds of farm animals replacing the cries of prisoners. The smell of hay and livestock instead of damp stone and despair. Even today you can see a remnant of that past life. A trough used to feed animals still remains. A simple detail with a powerful story.
The residential part of the Ploetzhof that you see today was mostly built in 1932 by Maria and Johann Frimbichler. It underwent a major renovation in 2020. It stands as a testament to resilience and adaptation. Through jail cell to farm to a museum today. The Ploetzhof stands firm. A powerful symbol of history’s endurance and change.
The Ploetzhof isn’t just a building. It’s a living museum. It lets you step back in time. You can experience a part of Hof bei Salzburg’s past. A past that is both intriguing and unsettling. A place where the echoes of history still linger. Step inside. Discover the secrets within. Let the Ploetzhof’s stones tell you their tale.