Overview:

Riegersburg Castle is a medieval stronghold located near Riegersburg, Austria. It is one of the biggest castles in the former Styria province and has been preserved intact since the Middle Ages. It is the biggest and highest of all the castles in Styrian and located on a volcanic rock 189 metres (620 ft) above the nearby town of Riegersburg. It is built on the same rock in the shape of an oval, with two wards and five gates. The first castle was built in the 12th century, and parts of the castle were replaced and rebuilt in the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries. It has been a museum since 1950 and is now listed as a national monument of Austria. Today visitors can explore the citadel’s history and admire its magnificent architecture, as well as participate in various events. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Austria
Prominent Features:

1. Built in 1138 2. Remains of a castle dating back to 1138 3. Of a typical 12th century Norman style architecture 4. Hexagonal round tower, which stands at 65 metres high 5. Three defensive walls connected by several bastions 6. Surrounded by over 365 hectares of parkland, forming clover-shaped grounds 7. Features several lakes, bridges, and terraces 8. The only castle in Austria to still have an active moat 9. Home to a museum of local history and culture 10. Hosts several festivals throughout the year, including a medieval event. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Austria.

History:

Riegersburg Castle is a castle on a hill in the southeast Austrian town of Riegersburg, which is in the district of Voitsberg, Styria. The castle is one of the largest Medieval castles in Austria, and is considered to be one of the most impressive fortifications in Europe. It was originally built by the Lords of Wangiersdorff in the late 12th century in order to protect their lands. However, the castle has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, and has changed hands several times, serving as an important stronghold for each successive owner. From the 12th century until the death of Dietrich von Wangiersdorff in 1273, Riegersburg Castle was owned by the von Wangiersdorff family. After Dietrich’s death, however, the castle was inherited by his granddaughter Elisabeth, who married the Styrian margrave Hermann von Cilli, and the castle became part of the possessions of the House of Cilli. In 1439, the castle passed to the Styrian nobleman Hans von Roggendorf, who brought in a Dutch architect to redesign the fortress. His additions included five large towers, which are still standing today. In 1480, Riegersburg Castle was besieged by the Turks, who had recently taken over much of the Balkans. The castle was defended by the then-owner, Hans Hopfferer, and his garrison of brave knights, and the siege went on for months. In the end the strong walls and towers held firm, and the Turks were forced to retreat. This victory was celebrated throughout Austria, and Riegersburg Castle went on to survive several more sieges during the course of the Ottoman wars. Since 1521, Riegersburg Castle has belonged to the Catholic Church and a monastic order that is still active today. In the 18th century, extensive renovations were made to the castle, though they retained the Medieval look. The castle is now open to the public and is often visited by tourists from all parts of the world. Visit one of the famous monuments of Austria with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Riegersburg Castle is the largest castle in the Austrian state of Styria. 2. The castle dates from the 12th century and was owned by the Lords of Riegersburg from the 11th century until 1826. 3. It is a popular tourist destination in Styria, with its medieval atmosphere and extensive and varied gardens. 4. The castle features an impressive arsenal containing more than 8,000 weapons and armor. 5. The castle’s chapel has remained untouched since 1638 and contains some of the earliest baroque fresco paintings in Austria. 6. During World War II, the castle was defended by a local militia led by a 17-year-old girl named Maria Aumayer. 7. In recent times, the castle has been converted into a hotel and the grounds have been developed into a popular adventure park. 8. Riegersburg Castle is home to one of the largest collections of exotic plants in Austria, with over 4,000 different species. One of the historical monuments of Austria, it tells the story of a bygone era