Once upon a time, lords and knights lived here. Esslinger Schloss stands before us. It whispers tales of noble families and dramatic battles. This castle has witnessed centuries unfold.
Esslinger Schloss was first documented in 1287. At that time, it was known as Ezzelaren. The land was granted by the ruling monarch. It was a fief to the Eslarn family for centuries. The Eslarn family was an important family in Vienna. Konrad von Eslarn even served as mayor of Vienna in 1287.
After the medieval Ratsbürger family Eslarn died out, ownership changed hands frequently. In 1579, Freiherr von Teufel purchased the estate. The area north of today’s Ostbahn became known as Teufelsfeld. A rather devilish name.
A new castle was constructed around 1672. This is according to a drawing by Vischer. The Kinsky family owned the Esslinger Schloss in 1722. They added lateral wings for farming. They also constructed a late Baroque portal to the “Langen Garten”. It was known as the Maria-Theresien-Tor. Alas, it was demolished in 1960. The upper part of the Baroque wrought-iron gate is now in the Donaustadt District Museum.
The Esslinger Schloss that we see today mainly consists of two two-story Baroque sections. They are connected by an intermediate structure. A triangular gable accentuates the central section. The ground floor is decorated with bands.
In 1760, Franz I acquired the Essling estate. From 1797, it belonged to the family trust estates. Today, the City of Vienna operates it as a farm.
Esslinger Schloss suffered damage during the Battle of Aspern-Essling. This battle was during the War of the Fifth Coalition in 1809. Despite the damage, it was rebuilt.
In 1988, the building contractor Alexander Maculan bought Esslinger Schloss. He began its renovation and revitalization. Today, it appears in its former glory.
Imagine lords and ladies strolling through the gardens. Picture horses and carriages arriving at the gate. Think about the sounds of farming echoing through the grounds. Esslinger Schloss is a living testament to Vienna’s rich history. It connects us to the past. It gives us a glimpse into the lives of those who came before us. The Esslinger Schloss remains a proud landmark in Essling. It preserves its legacy for generations to come.