Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau#

b. Lochau (Vorarlberg), March 26, 1559, d. Salzburg, Jan. 16, 1617, archbishop of Salzburg (1587-1612). Came from a rich family in the area around lake Constance. Archbishop at the age of 28,advocated a renewal of the Catholic Church, called Capuchin and Augustinian hermits to Salzburg and improved the system of education. Made Salzburg a centre of Baroque architecture; through the demolition of burghers' houses enlarged the town around the cathedral and the Benedictine abbey of St. Peter. his years in office saw the construction of the archbishop's residence (started in 1595) and of Mirabell Palace (1606) for Salome Alt, his mistress for 22 years. The cathedral burned down in 1598 and he laid the foundation stone for the Baroque cathedral in 1611. His imperious behaviour provoked many conflicts; he was overthrown in 1612 because of the "Salt War" with Bavaria (1611); resigned March 7, 1612. His successor Marcus Sitticus kept him under arrest at the Hohensalzburg fortress until his death. Mausoleum (built 1597-1603) at the Sebastian cemetery (built 1595-1600).

Literature#