Stefan Zweig's Salzburg Villa Preservation Campaign

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Austrian cultural figures have launched a campaign to buy the 17th-century Villa Europa, once home to writer Stefan Zweig, after its owner Wolfgang Porsche put it on the market following public outcry over plans to build a private tunnel for his car collection. The villa, a cultural meeting point for prominent figures, was bought by Porsche in 2020 for €8.4m and is now listed for €12.7m after renovations. The University of Salzburg is considering interim ownership to preserve the villa as a place of commemoration and cultural significance. Planning permission for a 500-metre tunnel is included in the purchase price but must be utilized by the end of 2028.