Hochosterwitz Castle

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Overview of Hochosterwitz Castle

Inside the castle armoury chamber

One of its 14 fortified gates.

Looking Northwest from the top of the castle.

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Battlements at the beginning of the path.

1:25 scale model of Hochosterwitz Castle at Minimundus.

Hochosterwitz Castle (also known as Burg Hochosterwitz or Berg Hochosterwitz) is considered to be one of Austria's most impressive medieval castle. It is situated on a 160 m (525 ft) Dolomite rock, east of the town of Sankt Veit an der Glan, in Carinthia, and can be seen from 30 Km (20 miles) away on a clear day.

1 Early history
2 16th century
3 Present
4 External links

[edit] Early history

The castle was first mentioned in a document dating back to 860, when it was called Ostrovica(its name being of Slovenian origin). In 1209, the Counts of Spanheim bestowed upon the family of Osterwitz the hereditary office of the cup-bearer. In the 15th century, the last cup-bearer of Osterwitz was captured in a Turkish invasion and died in prison without leaving descendants. Possession of the castle then reverted to Emperor Frederick III.

[edit] 16th century

Some time in the early 16th century, Emperor Ferdinand I bestowed Hochosterwitz upon governor Christof Khevenhüller. In 1571, Baron George Khevenhüller acquired the citadel by purchase. He fortified to deal with the threat of Turkish invasions of the region, building an armoury and 14 gates from 1570-1586. Such massive fortification is considered unique in citadel construction. Because of the 14 gates, each equipped with different treacherous methods of guarding the path, local legend maintains that the castle has never been conquered.

[edit] Present

Since the 16th century, no major changes have been made to Hochosterwitz. It has also remained in the possession of the Khevenhüller family as requested by the original builder, George Khevenhüller. A marble plaque dating from 1576 in the castle yard documents this request.

Some parts of the castle are open to the public every year from Easter to the end of October. Tourists are allowed to walk the 620 meter long pathway through the 14 gates up to the castle; each gate has a diagram of the defense mechanism used to seal that particular gate.

Hochosterwitz Castle can be reached by car or an easy hike from the St Veit an der Glan train station, with connection to nearby Klagenfurt.

The castle postal address is:
Burg Hochosterwitz
A-9314 Launsdorf
Austria

A 1:25 miniature scale model of Hochosterwitz Castle may be seen at Minimundus, a popular tourist attraction in Klagenfurt that is approximately 20 km away from the castle.