Spittal an der Drau: Porcia Palace and Old Town
A Renaissance palace in the heart of Upper Carinthia
Photo: Johann Jaritz, CC BY-SA 3.0 at, Wikimedia Commons
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Languages
- German, English
This private tour shows you Spittal an der Drau and Porcia Palace, one of the finest Renaissance buildings in Austria. You see the splendid arcaded courtyard and hear how Italian architecture came to the Alps.
Gabriel von Salamanca, treasurer and confidant of Archduke Ferdinand, began the palace in 1533 in the style of an Italian palazzo. It later belonged to the princely Porcia family, after whom it is named. The three-story arcaded courtyard with its columns and reliefs is its heart.
Your guide tells of Salamanca, the Porcia family and the history of Spittal, which owes its name to a medieval hospice for travelers. In summer the courtyard becomes the stage for a comedy festival, and inside the palace a museum presents the folk culture of Upper Carinthia.
This is a private tour: just your own group, your pace and plenty of time for questions. Our licensed guides are happy to adjust the focus to your interests before the day.
Highlights
- The arcaded courtyard of Porcia Palace
- Gabriel von Salamanca and the Renaissance
- The princely Porcia family
- Summer comedy in the courtyard
- Palace park and old town
The route
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1Palace park
First view of the palace.
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2Arcaded courtyard
Columns, reliefs and stage.
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3Main square
Town history and the hospice.
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4Parish church
Finale in the old town.
Who this tour is for
Culture travelers, theater lovers and vacationers on Lake Millstatt and in the Drava Valley.
Frequently asked questions
Are entrance fees included?
No. Entrance fees for the palace museum are not included in the tour price and are paid on site. Your guide will let you know in advance which tickets you will need.
How is the price calculated?
This is a private tour, so you pay one price per group, not per person. The amount depends on the duration and group size, and you receive a quote with your request.
When is the comedy festival held?
The Porcia comedy festival takes place every summer in the courtyard. The tour combines well with an evening performance; tickets are not included.
