Hochosterwitz Castle

Hochosterwitz Castle (German: Burg Hochosterwitz) is a castle in Austria, considered one of Austria’s most impressive medieval castles. It is on a 172-metre (564 ft) high dolomite rock near Sankt Georgen am Längsee, east of the town of Sankt Veit an der Glan in Carinthia. The rock castle is one of the state’s landmarks and a major tourist attraction.

Hochosterwitz Castle is one of the most impressive and well-preserved castles in the country, and a popular tourist attraction. It has a long and rich history, dating back to the 9th century. It was a refuge for the local population during the Turkish invasions, a stronghold of the Sponheim and Khevenhüller noble families, and a witness of many wars and sieges. It is famous for its 14 defensive gates, its impressive architecture, and its collection of weapons and artworks.

Hochosterwitz Castle is a unique and remarkable monument of the medieval era, and a cultural and natural heritage of Austria. It is a place of history and culture, of beauty and mystery, of strength and resilience. It is a place that invites and challenges the visitors, to explore and discover its secrets and treasures, to admire and appreciate its charm and elegance, to enjoy and experience its atmosphere and spirit. Hochosterwitz Castle is a place that deserves to be visited and remembered, as a fortress on a rock.

History

Early History

The rock of Hochosterwitz was first mentioned in an 860 deed issued by Louis the German, King of East Francia, donating several of his properties in the former principality of Carantania to the Archdiocese of Salzburg. It was then named ‘Astarwiza’, which has Celtic, Slavic, and Germanic origins.

The rock was a strategic location, as it overlooked the historic Zollfeld plain and the important trade route between Italy and the Danube region. It was also a natural fortress, as it was surrounded by steep cliffs and only accessible by a narrow path.

The first castle on the rock was probably built in the 11th century, when the region was threatened by the Hungarian and Turkish invasions. The castle served as a refuge for the local population, who could seek shelter behind its walls.

The castle remained a possession of the Archbishops of Salzburg, until in the 11th century they ceded it to the descendants of Count Siegfried of Sponheim, who became the Dukes of Carinthia in 1122. The Sponheim rulers were able to shake off the Salzburg overlordship and establish their own dynasty in Carinthia. They bestowed the fiefdom of the castle upon the ministeriales of the Osterwitz noble family, possibly a cadet branch of the Sponheim dynasty.

The Osterwitz Family

The Osterwitz family held the castle for over four centuries, and made it their ancestral seat. They were loyal vassals of the Dukes of Carinthia, and held the hereditary office of the cup-bearer at the ducal court in Sankt Veit.

One of the most notable members of the Osterwitz family was Herman of Osterwitz, who accompanied Duke Bernhard of Carinthia to the coronation of Emperor Otto IV in Rome in 1209. He was also a crusader, who participated in the Fifth Crusade and the Sixth Crusade. He died in 1241 in Egypt, fighting against the Sultan of Cairo.

The Osterwitz family also played a role in the legend of the siege of the castle by the troops of Countess Margaret of Tyrol (Margarethe Maultasch), who invaded Carinthia in 1335 after being cheated by the Austrian House of Habsburg of her inheritance claims. According to the legend, the garrison of Hochosterwitz deceived the attackers by slaughtering their last ox, filling it with grain, and throwing it over the wall, pretending they still had plenty of provisions. The Countess, impressed by the castle’s resistance, withdrew her forces and spared the castle.

The legend, however, is not historically accurate, as there is no evidence of such a siege or of Margaret’s presence in Carinthia at that time. The legend is a common topic in the Eastern Alpine region, and it is known in many variations, with different characters and settings.

The last member of the Osterwitz family was Hans Schenk von Osterwitz, who was captured by the Turks in 1475 and died in prison without leaving any descendants. The castle was then returned to the Emperor Frederick III, who had inherited the Duchy of Carinthia from the extinct Sponheim line.

The Khevenhüller Family

In 1541, Emperor Ferdinand I granted the castle to Christoph Khevenhüller von Aichelberg, a loyal supporter of the Habsburgs and a distinguished military commander. Christoph Khevenhüller started to rebuild the castle according to the plans of one of the greatest military architects of that time: Domenico dell’Aglio. He fortified the castle with 14 defensive gates, each with its own name and design, and equipped it with cannons, muskets, and other weapons. He also built a chapel, a well, and a granary inside the castle.

Christoph Khevenhüller’s eldest son Johann inherited the castle, but due to his diplomatic obligations he passed it to his cousin Georg Khevenhüller, who was the governor of Carinthia and a close friend of Archduke Charles II of Inner Austria. Georg Khevenhüller bought the castle from the Archduke in 1571, and made it his permanent residence. He extended the buildings to their actual size, and decorated them with paintings, sculptures, and furniture. He also collected a large number of weapons, armors, and artworks, which are still preserved in the castle today.

Georg Khevenhüller was proud of his castle, and left a marble memorial tablet in the castle yard, dated 1576, that proclaims:

I, Georg Khevenhüller, have reconstructed this castle with my personal means. It being my home, I surrounded it with walls and fitted out with bastions and an arsenal. I have done this not for myself, but for the common good and the defence of the country. I admonish my descendants and successors to maintain the castle as a continuing memory of the past and a warning for all time.

Since then, the castle has been owned by the same family for generations, and has not changed much in its appearance or structure. The castle survived many wars and sieges, such as the Thirty Years’ War, the Napoleonic Wars, and the World Wars, without being damaged or conquered. The castle was always well-maintained and restored by its owners, who respected the legacy of their ancestor.

Architecture and Features

The Rock

The rock of Hochosterwitz is a dolomite formation, which is a type of sedimentary rock composed of calcium magnesium carbonate. The rock is about 160 million years old, and was formed by the deposition of marine sediments in a shallow sea. The rock was later uplifted and eroded by the forces of nature, creating its distinctive shape and features.

The rock is 172 meters high, and has a surface area of about 13,500 square meters. It is surrounded by steep cliffs on all sides, except for the south-west side, where there is a narrow path that leads to the castle. The rock offers a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape, including the Zollfeld plain, the Magdalensberg mountain, and the Karawanken Alps.

The rock is also rich in flora and fauna, as it hosts a variety of plants and animals that have adapted to its harsh environment. Some of the plants that grow on the rock are the edelweiss, the alpine rose, the gentian, and the saxifrage. Some of the animals that live on the rock are the chamois, the marmot, the eagle, and the raven.

The Castle

The castle of Hochosterwitz consists of several buildings and structures, that are arranged on different levels of the rock. The main buildings are the palace, the chapel, the arsenal, and the museum. The main structures are the 14 defensive gates, the well, and the lift.

The Palace

The palace is the main residence of the castle, and the oldest building on the rock. It was built in the 12th century by the Osterwitz family, and enlarged and renovated by the Khevenhüller family in the 16th and 17th centuries. The palace has a rectangular shape, and is divided into four wings that surround a central courtyard. The palace has two floors, and a basement that contains the well and the granary.

The palace is decorated with paintings, sculptures, and furniture from different periods and styles, such as Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo. Some of the most notable artworks in the palace are the portraits of the Khevenhüller family, the frescoes of the chapel, the wooden ceiling of the hall, and the marble fireplace.

The Chapel

The chapel is the religious center of the castle, and the most decorated building on the rock. It was built in the 16th century by Christoph Khevenhüller, and dedicated to Saint George, the patron saint of the castle. The chapel has a rectangular shape, and is located in the south-east wing of the palace. The chapel has a single nave, and a polygonal apse.

The chapel is adorned with frescoes, paintings, sculptures, and stained glass windows from different periods and styles, such as Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo. Some of the most notable artworks in the chapel are the altarpiece of Saint George, the crucifixion scene, the Madonna and Child, and the coat of arms of the Khevenhüller family. The chapel also contains the tombs of some of the members of the Khevenhüller family, such as Georg Khevenhüller and his wife Anna von Neuhaus, and Christoph Khevenhüller and his wife Barbara von Stubenberg.

The chapel is still used for religious services and ceremonies, such as weddings and baptisms. The chapel is also open to visitors, who can admire its artistic beauty and historical significance.

The Arsenal

The arsenal is the military center of the castle, and the most impressive building on the rock. It was built in the 16th century by Christoph Khevenhüller, and located in the north-west wing of the palace. The arsenal has a rectangular shape, and is divided into two floors. The arsenal has a large hall, and a smaller room.

The arsenal is filled with weapons, armors, and artworks from different periods and regions, such as medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and Oriental. Some of the most notable items in the arsenal are the cannons, the muskets, the swords, the helmets, and the shields. The arsenal also contains a collection of paintings, sculptures, and furniture from different styles, such as Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo. Some of the most notable artworks in the arsenal are the portraits of the Khevenhüller family, the busts of the Roman emperors, and the wooden chest of the Osterwitz family.

The arsenal is a museum of the history and culture of the castle, and a showcase of the military and artistic achievements of the Khevenhüller family. The arsenal is also open to visitors, who can marvel at its rich and diverse collection.

The Museum

The museum is the cultural center of the castle, and the newest building on the rock. It was built in the 20th century by the current owners of the castle, and located in the south-west wing of the palace. The museum has a rectangular shape, and is divided into two floors. The museum has several rooms, each dedicated to a different theme or topic.

The museum is dedicated to the history and heritage of the castle, and the life and legacy of the Khevenhüller family. The museum displays documents, photographs, paintings, sculptures, and objects from different periods and aspects of the castle’s history, such as the construction, the sieges, the legends, the owners, the guests, and the events. The museum also exhibits items related to the castle’s surroundings, such as the geology, the flora, the fauna, and the folklore.

The museum is an educational and entertaining attraction, and a source of information and inspiration for the visitors. The museum is also open to visitors, who can learn more about the castle and its environment.

The 14 Defensive Gates

The 14 defensive gates are the most distinctive and remarkable feature of the castle, and the main attraction for the visitors. They were built in the 16th century by Christoph Khevenhüller, and designed by Domenico dell’Aglio. They are located along the narrow path that leads from the foot of the rock to the entrance of the palace. They are numbered from 1 to 14, and each has its own name and design.

The 14 defensive gates are:

The Lower Gate (German: Unteres Tor, Slovene: Spodnja vrata): The first and lowest gate, located at the foot of the rock. It has a simple arch, and a wooden door. It is guarded by a small guardhouse, and a cannon.
The Arcaded Gate (German: Arkadentor, Slovene: Arkadna vrata): The second gate, located a few meters above the Lower Gate. It has a round arch, and a wooden door. It is decorated with arcades, and a coat of arms of the Khevenhüller family. It is guarded by a small guardhouse, and a cannon.
The Drawbridge Gate (German: Zugbrückentor, Slovene: Mostna vrata): The third gate, located a few meters above the Arcaded Gate. It has a pointed arch, and a wooden door. It is equipped with a drawbridge, and a portcullis. It is guarded by a small guardhouse, and a cannon.
The Wall Gate (German: Mauertor, Slovene: Zidna vrata): The fourth gate, located a few meters above the Drawbridge Gate. It has a pointed arch, and a wooden door. It is built into the wall, and has a small window. It is guarded by a small guardhouse, and a cannon.
The Rock Gate (German: Felsentor, Slovene: Skalna vrata): The fifth gate, located a few meters above the Wall Gate. It has a pointed arch, and a wooden door. It is carved into the rock, and has a small window. It is guarded by a small guardhouse, and a cannon.
The Corridor Gate (German: Gangtor, Slovene: Hodniška vrata): The sixth gate, located a few meters above the Rock Gate. It has a pointed arch, and a wooden door. It is connected to a corridor, and has a small window. It is guarded by a small guardhouse, and a cannon.
The Bassano Gate (German: Bassanotor, Slovene: Bassanova vrata): The seventh gate, located a few meters above the Corridor Gate. It has a pointed arch, and a wooden door. It is named after the Italian painter Jacopo Bassano, who painted a fresco of the Last Judgment on the wall of the gate. It is guarded by a small guardhouse, and a cannon.
The Witches’ Gate (German: Hexentor, Slovene: Čarovniška vrata): The eighth gate, located a few meters above the Bassano Gate. It has a pointed arch, and a wooden door. It is named after the legend of the witches, who were said to gather on the rock on Walpurgis Night. It is guarded by a small guardhouse, and a cannon.
The Hospital Gate (German: Spitaltor, Slovene: Bolniška vrata): The ninth gate, located a few meters above the Witches’ Gate. It has a pointed arch, and a wooden door. It is named after the hospital, which was located near the gate in the Middle Ages. It is guarded by a small guardhouse, and a cannon.
The Armoury Gate (German: Zeughaustor, Slovene: Orožarna vrata): The tenth gate, located a few meters above the Hospital Gate. It has a pointed arch, and a wooden door. It is named after the armoury, which was located near the gate in the 16th century. It is guarded by a small guardhouse, and a cannon.
The Red Gate (German: Rotes Tor, Slovene: Rdeča vrata): The eleventh gate, located a few meters above the Armoury Gate. It has a pointed arch, and a wooden door. It is named after the red color of the gate, which was painted with ox blood. It is guarded by a small guardhouse, and a cannon.
The Herb Gate (German: Kräutertor, Slovene: Zeliščna vrata): The twelfth gate, located a few meters above the Red Gate. It has a pointed arch, and a wooden door. It is named after the herb garden, which was located near the gate in the 17th century. It is guarded by a small guardhouse, and a cannon.
The Clock Gate (German: Uhrtor, Slovene: Ura vrata): The thirteenth gate, located a few meters above the Herb Gate. It has a pointed arch, and a wooden door. It is named after the clock, which was installed on the gate in the 18th century. It is guarded by a small guardhouse, and a cannon.
The Upper Gate (German: Oberes Tor, Slovene: Zgornja vrata): The fourteenth and highest gate, located a few meters above the Clock Gate. It has a pointed arch, and a wooden door. It is the final and most secure gate, leading to the entrance of the palace. It is guarded by a small guardhouse, and a cannon.

The 14 defensive gates are a masterpiece of military engineering, and a testament of the castle’s strength and resilience. They are designed to slow down and deter any potential attackers, by creating obstacles, traps, and surprises. They are also decorated with symbols, inscriptions, and artworks, that reflect the history and culture of the castle and its owners. They are a unique and fascinating attraction, and a challenge for the visitors, who can walk or drive through them, and admire their beauty and ingenuity.

The Well

The well is the water source of the castle, and the most vital structure on the rock. It was built in the 16th century by Christoph Khevenhüller, and located in the basement of the palace. The well has a circular shape, and a depth of 96 meters. It is connected to a spring, that flows under the rock.

The well is a remarkable feat of engineering, and a necessity for the survival of the castle. It provides fresh and clean water for the inhabitants and the animals of the castle, and for the irrigation of the herb garden. It also ensures the self-sufficiency and the independence of the castle, in case of a siege or a drought. The well is a hidden and mysterious structure, and a source of legends and stories, such as the legend of the golden bucket, that was said to be hidden at the bottom of the well. The well is also open to visitors, who can see its depth and its mechanism.

The Lift

The lift is the transport system of the castle, and the most modern structure on the rock. It was built in the 20th century by the current owners of the castle, and located near the Lower Gate. The lift has a cylindrical shape, and a height of 50 meters. It is powered by electricity, and has a capacity of 12 people.

The lift is a convenient and comfortable way to reach the castle, and a contrast to the ancient and medieval atmosphere of the rock. It offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, and a different perspective of the castle. It also saves time and energy for the visitors, who can avoid the long and steep walk or drive through the 14 defensive gates. The lift is an optional and alternative attraction, and a choice for the visitors, who can use it or not, depending on their preference and mood.

Klagenfurt, Austria