Austrian campaign aims to save writer Stefan Zweig’s Salzburg villa after Porsche tunnel row

An urgent campaign is underway in Austria to preserve the historic Salzburg villa of the renowned writer Stefan Zweig, following its unexpected sale by automotive magnate Wolfgang Porsche. Supporters are mobilizing to prevent the 17th-century Villa Europa from falling into private hands.

The villa holds significant cultural importance as the former residence of Zweig, an Austrian Jewish writer whose works inspired films like 'The Grand Budapest Hotel.' Zweig lived there until 1934, when he fled Salzburg due to the Austro-fascist regime, forcing his family to sell the property at a drastically reduced price. The recent decision by Porsche to list the villa on the market has sparked concern among cultural figures and fans.

The sale comes after a disagreement concerning Porsche's proposal to construct a private tunnel on the property, intended to house his extensive car collection. This dispute appears to have prompted Porsche's decision to sell. The campaign aims to raise funds and rally support to acquire the villa, ensuring its preservation as a cultural landmark rather than a private residence.