Maria Loretto Peninsula

The history of Maria Loretto Peninsula begins in the Middle Ages, when the area was part of the Duchy of Carinthia, a state of the Holy Roman Empire. The peninsula was then known as Coruncho, which means “red mangrove” in the local dialect, and was inhabited by fishermen and farmers. The peninsula was also a strategic location, as it controlled the access to the eastern bay of Lake Wörthersee, and was close to the trade route between Klagenfurt and Italy.

The peninsula was first mentioned in a document in 860, when King Louis the German of East Francia donated several properties in Carinthia to the Archdiocese of Salzburg. The peninsula was then called Astarwiza, which has Celtic, Slavic, and Germanic origins. The peninsula remained a possession of the Archbishops of Salzburg, until the 16th century, when it was acquired by the Counts of Ortenburg, a noble family from Carniola.

The name and the fame of Maria Loretto Peninsula are linked to a legend that dates back to the 17th century, and involves the Virgin Mary, the Holy House of Loreto, and the Countess of Ortenburg. According to the legend, the Countess of Ortenburg, whose name was Anna, was a devout Catholic, who had a great devotion to the Virgin Mary, and wished to visit the Holy House of Loreto in Italy, where the Virgin Mary was born and lived. The Holy House of Loreto was believed to be the same house that was miraculously transported by angels from Nazareth to Loreto in the 13th century, to protect it from the Muslim invaders.

However, Anna was unable to fulfill her wish, as she was ill and bedridden, and could not travel to Italy. She prayed to the Virgin Mary, and asked her for a miracle. One night, she had a vision, in which the Virgin Mary appeared to her, and told her that she would grant her wish, and bring the Holy House of Loreto to her. The next morning, Anna woke up, and saw that a small wooden house had appeared on the peninsula, near the shore of the lake. She was overjoyed, and thanked the Virgin Mary for her grace. She then asked her husband, the Count of Ortenburg, to build a chapel around the house, and to dedicate it to the Virgin Mary of Loreto.

The legend spread quickly, and attracted many pilgrims and visitors, who came to see and venerate the Holy House of Loreto on the peninsula. The legend also inspired the construction of the Maria Loretto Castle, which was built by the Count of Ortenburg, as a residence and a guest house for the pilgrims and the visitors. The legend also gave the name to the peninsula, which was then called Maria Loretto, in honor of the Virgin Mary of Loreto.

The legend, however, is not historically accurate, as there is no evidence of the existence or the transportation of the Holy House of Loreto on the peninsula. The legend is a common topic in the Eastern Alpine region, and is known in many variations, with different characters and settings. The legend is also influenced by the cult of the Virgin Mary of Loreto, which was very popular and widespread in Europe in the 17th century, and by the political and religious conflicts between the Catholic and the Protestant states in the region.

The history of Maria Loretto Peninsula continues in the 18th century, when the peninsula and the castle were acquired by the Khevenhüller family, a prominent and influential noble family from Carinthia. The Khevenhüller family were loyal supporters of the Habsburgs, and held various offices and titles in the Austrian Empire. They were also patrons of the arts and the sciences, and collected a large number of paintings, sculptures, and books.

One of the most notable members of the Khevenhüller family was Franz Christoph von Khevenhüller, who was the governor of Carinthia, and a close friend of Empress Maria Theresa. He was also a distinguished military commander, who fought in the War of the Austrian Succession, and the Seven Years’ War. He was famous for his defense of Prague, and his victory at Kolin. He was also a generous and benevolent ruler, who improved the economy, the education, and the welfare of Carinthia.

Franz Christoph von Khevenhüller was the owner of Maria Loretto Castle, and he renovated and expanded it, according to his taste and style. He also decorated it with paintings, sculptures, and furniture from different periods and styles, such as Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo. He also collected a large number of weapons, armors, and artworks, which are still preserved in the castle today.

Franz Christoph von Khevenhüller was also fond of Maria Loretto Peninsula, and he enjoyed spending time there, with his family and his friends. He also hosted many guests and visitors, who came to admire and appreciate the beauty and the elegance of the peninsula and the castle. He also organized many events and celebrations, such as parties, concerts, and fireworks. He also built a chapel, a well, and a granary inside the castle.

Franz Christoph von Khevenhüller died in 1776, and was buried in the chapel of the castle, along with his wife Maria Anna von Thurn und Taxis, and some of his descendants. The castle and the peninsula remained in the possession of the Khevenhüller family, until the 20th century, when they were sold to different owners.