Is the peaceful and prosperous Salzburg losing its reputation as a haven of tranquility for Austria's upper bourgeoisie? Wolfgang Porsche's project to construct a private tunnel has indeed caused an unusual political stir in Mozart's birthplace, also known for its highly exclusive classical music festival.

At 81, Wolfgang Porsche, who remains the chairman of the supervisory board of Porsche AG, wants to build a tunnel and an underground garage beneath the Kapuzinerberg, one of the lovely green hills overlooking the city center. The goal is to facilitate access to the Paschinger Schlössl, the grand manor he purchased in 2020 for €8.4 million.

Also known as the "Stefan Zweig Villa," this residence was owned until 1937 by the Austrian Jewish writer forced into exile in Brazil by the Nazis, where he committed suicide in 1942. Since acquiring it, Wolfgang Porsche – who is a descendant of a confirmed Nazi – has been thoroughly renovating the home to make it his residence but seems bothered by the narrowness of the access routes.

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