The venerable Schloss Stuppach, a 50-room fortress in Gloggnitz, Austria, known as the locale where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart penned his last composition, is poised for auction. Once a sanctuary for historical luminaries such as Napoleon Bonaparte, this estate is an architectural treasure boasting a dungeon, a “Requiem” chapel, a movie theater, and more.
Going under the gavel next month in an online auction orchestrated by Michaela Orisich of Austria Sotheby’s International Realty and Concierge Auctions, Schloss Stuppach, often referred to as “Mozart’s Last Castle,” was initially listed at .1 million. Bidding was opened from December 1 through December 14, with expectations set between €3.95 million (.3 million) and €9.95 million (.9 million).
A historical gem dating back to its construction in 1130, the castle, listed as a landmark in the region, remains one of the few castles in Lower Austria still privately owned. Throughout its existence, the regal abode hosted illustrious guests, including Napoleon, Franz Schubert, Pope Pius VI, Princess Isabelle von Bourbon-Parma, and Emperor Franz Stephan von Lothringen.
Most notably, Count Franz Anton Walsegg, the castle’s resident, commissioned Mozart for his final opus, the “Requiem in D minor.” Conceived as a homage to the Count’s late wife, Anna Countess von Walsegg, who passed away on Valentine’s Day in 1791, Mozart’s untimely death at 35 left the piece unfinished. Another composer completed the Requiem in 1792, housed at Schloss Stuppach until its transfer to the Austrian National Library in 1830.
Spanning 26,909 square feet over four stories, the mansion features four bedrooms and eight bathrooms. Its historical charm is evident in elaborate millwork, intricate crystal chandeliers, wood-burning fireplaces, and ancient parquet wood floors. Additional highlights include a cinema, library, “Requiem” chapel, and a dungeon.
Owner Reinhard Zellinger, who acquired the property in 1996, expressed, “It’s the right moment for handover”.
