Hellbrunn Palace, Austria: Off The Beaten Path
Built in 1619 by Salzburg archbishop Markus Sittikus, the Hellbrunn Palace was created as a summer playhouse for the archbishop to entertain guests on hot afternoons. Today, visitors are welcomed to take a refreshing tour of the Trick Gardens and see what the world’s funnest castle is all about!
Constructed on top of a natural spring, water is the primary focus of the Hellbrunn Palace, though practical jokes come in at a close second. Archbishop Sittikus had a keen sense of humor when he came into office, constructing a daytime-only palace (there are no bedrooms in castle) for his friends and guests to be entertained. They would start by feasting at an outdoor table in the garden, only to be shocked when fountains of water sprung from the tabletop and from under their buttocks! What a refreshing prank on a hot, summer day!
As the day continued, Sittikus would take his guests on a tour of his gardens to see the water-operated and music-playing Rock Theater, as well as various fountains that would be activated by Sittikus himself. One fountain to note is a grotto and crown being pushed up and down by a fountain, symbolizing the rise and fall of power; the archbishop never took himself too seriously.
Visitors today can expect to get wet if taking the tour. As if the palace full of oddities and amusing Trick Gardens weren’t enough, the extravagant summer property has an extensive network of footpaths to explore!
Featured image: © Hans | Pixabay