In the garden between Wirerstrasse and Kurhausstrasse close to Wirerstrasse
The Viennese physician Dr. Franz Wirer (1771 - 1844) gave Ischl its reputation as a world-class spa resort and an "imperial town", which continues to this day. He was constantly striving to perfect the spa facilities and beautify the whole area, using large sums of his personal fortune. In addition, he used his contacts with the highest Viennese circles to have prominent spa guests visiting Ischl, who in turn also appeared again as patrons of the town. His work for Ischl was of immense value. For example, for Archduchess Sophie (see also Franz-Karl Fountain and Memorial Stone on the esplanade), together with her personal physician Dr. Johann Malfatti, he prescribed the fertility-promoting spa treatments which led to the birth of the "Salt Prince" Franz Joseph and introduced the most glamorous period in Ischl's history.
The epic monument in the middle of a garden donated by Wirer himself reflects his significance. As the inscription reports, the monument was errected in 1838 by the Municipality of Ischl to its benefactor and unveiled in 1839. However, Wirer paid for it himself. It was created by the master stonemasons Doppler of Salzburg, and the sculptures were by Josef Kähsmann (see also Rudolf Monument in Rudolfspark garden). Unfortunately, the enclosure with chains and stone bollards was removed during WW2. The monument was last restored in 1983.
The Wirer monument stands in the main axis of the former salt works administration which is located across from it (see also fountain at the former salt works administration). Notably, there is no connection between the monument and the Kurhaus building, which was built much later. The high three-stage base and pedestal of the Wirer Monument are made of Untersberg marble, in which there are life-size cast iron reliefs in niches: on the front, the relief of charity (caritas), depicted as a fountain nymph with a child (note the stork as a fertility symbol in the background); on the back, the relief of Hygiea with the Aesculapian snake. On the pedestal is the colossal cast-iron bust of Wirer.
Similar to the Rudolf Monument in Rudolfpark garden, the iron parts were originally bronzed (dark olive green).