Zwettlhof

Hidden within Vienna’s 19th district, the Zwettlhof whispers tales of Cistercian monks and wine. The Zwettlhof wasn’t always Viennese. It began its life far from the bustling city, in the quiet vineyards of Nussdorf. The Cistercian monastery of Zwettl, located in Lower Austria, held the right to sell wine in Vienna since 1299. Around 1327, records show the monastery owned a vineyard in Nussdorf. This vineyard birthed the original Lesehof, a simple structure built to harvest and process the grapes. This early version of the Zwettlhof was sold around 1535. It returned to the monastery in 1606, only to be sold again in 1647. Tragedy struck in 1651 when a fire ravaged the building. Yet, like a phoenix from the ashes, the Zwettlhof rose again. In 1687, it once more became the property of Zwettl Abbey. The Zwettlhof as we see it today emerged around 1732. The baroque building incorporated remnants of its predecessor, a tangible link to its past. However, by 1735, the monastery sold the Zwettlhof for the final time. The building saw renovations in 1741 and again in 1877, adapting to the changing times. In 1930, the Schottenstift, another Viennese monastery, acquired the Zwettlhof. Further renovations followed in 1947 and 1970, ensuring its preservation. Today, the Zwettlhof stands as a testament to its layered history. Its long facade, punctuated by flat projections and a mix of arched and rectangular windows, hints at the stories within. The central projection, crowned by a triangular gable, adds a touch of grandeur. Inside, echoes of the past linger. The original press cellar, with its vaulted ceiling, stands as a reminder of the Zwettlhof’s winemaking origins. Another cellar section, with its brick barrel vault, further underscores this history. Upstairs, the main hall boasts a stucco ceiling, two fireplaces, and six full-length portraits of Habsburg rulers, a nod to Vienna’s imperial past. A small chapel and the remnants of a stable complete the Zwettlhof, a hidden gem within Vienna’s urban landscape.