Wednesday, 7 May 2008, 18:30 – 22:00

The Welcome Reception will take place at the recently restored Maria Loretto Castle (Schloss Maria Loretto) on the peninsula Loretto of Lake Wörthersee. The castle is within walking distance of the university (approx. 15 minutes). We plan to jointly leave the university at 18:30. Handicapped persons please contact the organization staff. This architectural jewel on Lake Wörthersee was in decay until the City purchased it, restored the building in style and opened it for the people of Klagenfurt and for guests as a great place to celebrate with a wonderfully dignified and historic atmosphere. The place offers an amazing view of Lake Wörthersee toward the west, which should be most exciting on a sunny evening.

History: Maria Loretto Castle, a two-storey rectangular structure with a high hipped roof is the property of the City of Klagenfurt. It was built by Count Johann Andrä von Rosenberg as a summer residence with spacious gardens in the Italian style in 1652. After a fire, only a simple version of the castle and Maria Loretto Chapel were restored in 1708. Worth seeing: round-arched portal with coat of arms and the inscription 1652; in the garden, a draw well with a wrought-iron crown from the first building period; south of the castle, in a slightly elevated location, the barrel vaulted Maria Loretto Chapel from 1658; tabernacle with four illuminating angels, the Italian Loretto Madonna statue from 1652, and three interesting votive pictures from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Path from Klagenfurt University to Maria Loretto Castle:

(Click on Image for larger version)