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Toffel · Public domain
Point 3 of 70 of 7 completed
The Illusionist Court
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47.0707, 15.4392
On arrival
Return south along Herrengasse until you face the massive painted facade of the Herzogshof on the east side of the street.
Look closer
A 220 m² continuous fresco facade covering all upper storeys, featuring trompe-l'œil architectural elements like columns and balconies along with depictions of Greco-Roman deities.
Explores ducal visual representation, illusionistic surface design, and the material reality behind repainted historic facades.
A continuous 220-square-metre fresco completely covers the upper storeys of this historic residence, portraying classical Greco-Roman deities like Bacchus, Vulcan, Vesta, and Hercules alongside illusionistic columns and balconies. Recorded as the Herzogshof in 1360, this building served as a court where Styrian dukes conducted official business. In 1600, court painter Giovanni Pietro de Pomis adorned the facade with frescoes. However, in 1742, owner Franz von Lathurner commissioned Vorau artist Johann Mayer to paint an entirely new set of murals. Contrary to popular assumptions that the older artwork survives hidden beneath, historical documentation confirms Mayer scraped away de Pomis's original layer entirely before applying his own paint. The result is a striking display of trompe-l'œil grandeur that turned official ducal power into a permanent public spectacle.
Accessibility at this stop
Viewed from the eastern side of Herrengasse. The supplied text does not document pavement conditions, kerbs, resting areas, or viewing obstacles at this location.
These notes describe known conditions at this stop. Urban conditions can change, so assess the situation on site.
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3. The Illusionist Court
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