Villach Castle

Villach Castle is a fascinating and impressive attraction that offers a glimpse into the past and present of Villach. The castle is a testament to the history and culture of the city, as well as the people who lived and worked there. The castle is also a place of worship and ecumenism, where different Christian traditions coexist and cooperate.

The Origins and History of Villach Castle

Villach Castle was originally built as Bamberg Castle, named after the Bishopric of Bamberg, which was granted the city of Villach by Emperor Heinrich II in 1007. The castle was first mentioned in a document in 1270, but archaeological research has shown that it was constructed shortly after the city was fortified in 1233. The castle served as the administrative center of the Bamberg bishops, who had extensive rights and privileges in the region. The castle also had a defensive function, as it formed the northeastern corner of the city walls and had a tower that overlooked the river and the surrounding area.

The castle underwent several modifications and expansions over the years, especially in the 16th and 17th centuries, when it was transformed into a Renaissance-style palace with a four-winged structure and an arcaded courtyard. The castle also had various facilities and amenities, such as an armoury, a granary, a well, a toilet, and jail cells. The excavations of the castle have revealed many interesting artifacts and clues about the life and culture of the people who lived and worked there, such as the food they ate, the tableware and glasses they used, and the toys they played with. One of the most remarkable discoveries was a clay figurine of a tournament rider from the 12th century, which is one of the oldest of its kind in Europe.

The castle lost its importance and function in the 18th century, as the Bamberg bishops sold their rights and properties in Villach to the Habsburgs in 1759. The castle was neglected and damaged by a fire that swept through the city in 1812. In 1832, the castle was sold to the wealthy Nagele family, who restored and renovated it. The Nagele family donated the castle to the city in 1914, and since then, the castle has been used as social housing for low-income residents. Some of the archaeological findings are displayed in a room that is part of the Villach City Museum, which is located in the castle complex.

The Castle Chapel: A Place of Worship and Ecumenism

One of the most distinctive and beautiful features of Villach Castle is the castle chapel, which is dedicated to Saints Heinrich and Kunigunde, the patron saints of the Bamberg bishops. The chapel was built in the 14th century and connected two parts of the castle towards the southwest. The chapel was originally part of the parish of St. Martin, but in 1640, it was transferred to the parish of St. Jakob. The chapel was profaned in 1738 and used for various purposes, such as a storage room and a workshop.

In 1980, the chapel was restored and reconsecrated as a place of worship, thanks to the efforts of the Old Catholic Church, a small Christian denomination that split from the Roman Catholic Church in the 19th century over the issue of papal infallibility. The Old Catholic Church has been using the chapel for its services ever since, and has also shared it with the Serbian Orthodox community, which joined as an ecumenical partner in 2003. The chapel is a symbol of the diversity and harmony of the religious communities in Villach, and is also a cultural and artistic treasure. The chapel has a single-nave hall with a polygonal apse and high arched windows. The interior of the chapel was renovated in the 21st century, with a new altar and frescoes depicting the patron saints. The chapel is also adorned with paintings, sculptures, and stained glass windows that reflect the history and spirituality of the place.

Villach, Austria