Parkanlage Villa

More information about the history

Image: Leonhart-Kurtzrock family crypt, Foto: Klaus Breuer, Bonn Oberkassel

In the middle of the 19th century, the family of the Barons von Leonhart-Kurtzrock moved into one of Königswinter’s most sought-after residential locations. However, the villa built in classical country house style only remained in their possession until 1935, as there were no descendants to take it over. The Catholic church inherited the property and in 1936 they sold the estate to the German Labour Front (DAF) which had been founded by the National Socialist party. Incidentally, the Leonhart-Kurtzrocks’ family crypt can be found in the cemetery in Königswinter.

Image: Villa Leonhart 2009, wikipedia / Eckhard Henkel

In Königswinter, the German Labour Front (DAF) commissioned the architect Franz Josef Krings to renovate and enhance the villa based on Bauhaus style. It was then to be used as a guest house among other things. People who used the villa included the head of the DAF – Robert Ley – and his family. After the war, the villa became the official residence of the Pakistan ambassador from 1952 to 1995. During this period, the swastika-shaped window grid decorations from the Nazi era, which were still in existence in 1987, were removed after a resolution was made by the town council.

Image: Villa Leonhart 2009, wikipedia / Tohma

After the Pakistani embassy relocated to Berlin, the Villa Leonhart stood empty until it underwent extensive renovation by a restaurant proprietor from 2008 to 2009. The public park contains a military cemetery and a historic pump house, as well as a pavilion from around 1938.

Practical information

At the Siebengebirgsmuseum Königswinter, you can find out more about the history of the town of Königswinter and the Siebengebirge. In the summer months, the museum offers regular guided tours through the town and on the subject of “Hotels and villas on the Rhine” - also available for groups on request.
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