Castles and Palaces In St. Pölten
St. Pölten, the capital city of Lower Austria, stands as a testament to its rich historical tapestry dating back to Roman times. The city is renowned for its array of castles and palaces, offering glimpses into its cultural and architectural heritage.
Schloss Thalheim, a 17th-century castle, stands as a prime example of St. Pölten’s transformation of historical structures into modern luxury amenities. Converted into a high-end hotel and restaurant, it boasts elegant rooms, a spa, golf course, and a fine dining establishment, making it an ideal destination for romantic getaways and special occasions.
Wasserschloss Pottenbrunn, a water castle with origins in the 13th century, expanded during the 16th century, stands proudly on the Traisen riverbanks. Once owned by the famed composer Franz Schubert, it has evolved into a cultural hub, hosting concerts, exhibitions, and weddings. The castle’s moat and drawbridge contribute to its historic charm.
Klangturm, a contemporary architectural marvel erected in 1996, is an integral part of the Landhaus complex, housing the provincial government. Standing at 57 meters with a distinctive tuning fork shape, it serves a dual purpose as both an observation tower and a musical instrument. Powered by wind and solar energy, the tower generates sounds and vibrations, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience along with panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Schloss Viehofen, a baroque palace dating back to the 18th century, built by the Liechtenstein noble family, is nestled within a picturesque park featuring a pond, fountain, and pavilion. While currently repurposed as a school and conference center, the palace opens its doors for guided tours, allowing visitors to explore its historical rooms and art collections on designated days.
Perched atop a hill, Schloss Wilhelmsburg is a splendid renaissance palace constructed in the 16th century under the patronage of the prince-bishop of Passau. The palace’s magnificent facade, courtyard, and panoramic views contribute to its status as an architectural gem. Noteworthy features include exquisite frescoes, stucco work, and paintings that provide a visual feast for visitors, showcasing the palace’s historical and artistic significance in St. Pölten’s cultural landscape.
Ochsenburg Castle
Ochsenburg Castle in St. Pölten stands on a 30-meter high ledge on the right bank of the Traisen River in the city’s southernmost district. Originally a medieval fortress belonging to the Lords of Ochsenburg, it underwent restoration in the 16th century, transforming into a Renaissance-style palace. The baroque south wing, likely constructed in 1698 by Jakob Prandtauer, contributed to the castle’s architectural evolution. The Nikolaus chapel within the palace underwent reconstruction in the 18th century, with the influential involvement of Martin Johann Schmidt.
Throughout its history, ownership of the castle changed hands, passing from the Canons of St. Pölten to the Lassbergers until 1675 when it was acquired by the Lords of Leisser. In 1699, the St. Pölten monastery repurchased the castle under the leadership of Provost Christoph Müller. However, with the Josephine reforms in 1784, the monastery was disbanded, and the castle came under the possession of the Lower Austrian ecclesiastical fund. The newly established Diocese of St. Pölten gained authority over the castle in 1785.
During World War II, Ochsenburg Castle served as a military hospital, experiencing a period of neglect in the post-war years. Subsequently, it was restored and has since served as a summer residence for the bishops of St. Pölten. However, in 2010, reports surfaced that the Diocese of St. Pölten intended to sell Ochsenburg Castle for approximately three million euros. By mid-2011, as no buyer had been identified, plans were announced to refurbish the castle and make it available for rent on special occasions. The search for a buyer, however, continues.
Pottenbrunn Palace
Pottenbrunn Palace, also known as Trautmannsdorf Palace, is a historic complex located in St. Pölten’s Pottenbrunn area, featuring a medieval castle with a tower and a two-winged Renaissance castle situated on a castle island. The roots of the castle trace back to a Salzburg property mentioned in a document from 977. The Alachthof, the precursor to the present castle, was first documented in 1268.
In 1505, Sebastian Grabner the Elder acquired the castle and initiated expansions until 1527, drawing inspiration from Rosenburg Castle, another property he owned. The significant alterations occurred in 1600 under Sebastian Grabner the Younger when the outer bailey was transformed into a double-wing residential palace.
Over the years, the castle underwent changes in ownership and structural modifications, particularly to the east wing between the early nineteenth century and circa 1920. In 1916, it was acquired by David Fanto and subsequently sold to the Trauttmansdorff family in 1926, who remain its owners. The final days of World War II brought destruction to the castle, as it became a battleground, leading to severe damage from artillery fire and destruction by Russian forces.
In the aftermath of the war, efforts were made to reconstruct the tower, which had collapsed in 1961. Public support facilitated its restoration in 1966. In 1970, the former palace, though abandoned, found a new purpose as a tin figure museum, housing an impressive collection of 35,000 figurines.
In recent years, the New Castle has undergone extensive refurbishment. The castle now predominantly consists of the Old Castle, dating back to the Middle Ages, and the New Castle, completed around 1600. The Old Castle is characterized by a four-story rectangular structure with a steep double-hipped roof, featuring a tall tower with an onion dome on the north-east corner. The New Castle, with an exterior facade facing the river, is flanked by octagonal towers.
The castle’s moats, fed by the Pottenbrunner Brunnader, remain filled with water, contributing to the picturesque setting. Accessible via a bridge, the castle, unfortunately, can only be admired from the outside as it is currently occupied.
Viehofen Castle
Viehofen Castle, situated in St. Pölten’s Viehofen neighborhood, has a rich history dating back to at least 1130 when it was first recorded in Göttweig traditions. Although believed to be older, its property rights were officially recognized by Pope Alexander III in 1179. The castle chapel is mentioned for the first time in 1248, documented to be owned by the St. Pölten Monastery. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the ministerial lineage of the “Viehofner” was established, with Reinprecht von Wallsee becoming a prominent figure in the early 14th century.
The Wallseer family owned the castle until the late 15th century, after which it passed through various short-term owners until Bernhard von Kirchberg acquired it in 1508 from the emperor, who had purchased it in 1491 from the bishops of Passau. The Kirchberg family held the property until around 1640 when it transferred through different owners, including the Counts of Herberstein and von Wellenstein. In 1745, the Counts of Kuefstein took over and maintained ownership until 2003.
The castle chapel, initially serving as the parish church, retained its role until the construction of the Viehofen church in 1898. Inhabited and equipped until 1945, the castle faced challenges during the Russian occupation, where it was utilized as an ammunition storage facility. Post-occupation, the inhabitants demolished parts of the structure. Over subsequent decades, the castle fell into disrepair, with a section destroyed in 1966, leading to the collapse of the roof and roof truss.
In 2003, Josef Figl acquired the property from a bankruptcy estate and initiated extensive restoration efforts that continue to the present day. The restoration aims to revive the castle, which had suffered from neglect and destruction, bringing it back to its historical and architectural significance. Viehofen Castle’s intricate history, spanning centuries and witnessing changes in ownership, highlights its cultural and heritage value. The ongoing restoration reflects a commitment to preserving this historical landmark for future generations.
Wasserburg Castle
Wasserburg Castle, a baroque palace located in Wasserburg, within St. Pölten’s Pottenbrunn region, has a historical lineage dating back to 1185 when Dietmar von Wasserberg was first mentioned. The castle, initially associated with Heinrich von Wasserberg in the early 13th century, became significant, with Heinrich being the brother-in-law of the minstrel Ulrich von Liechtenstein.
In 1283, Lords of Wasserburg, identified as Otto von Haslau and Wulfing von Arnstein, were recorded as owners. Shortly after, the castle passed into the possession of the Puchbergers through marriage. In 1515, Christoph von Toppel sold Wasserburg, along with other assets, to Christoph von Zinzendorf. The Zinzendorf or Baudissin-Zinzendorf family maintained Wasserburg as their family seat for over four centuries. The ownership transitioned to Heinrich August Graf von Baudissin after Karl von Zinzendorf’s death in 1813. Heinrich Fünfkirchen later acquired the property from the Counts of Baudissin-Zinzendorf-Pottendorf in 1912.
During World War I in 1915, Wasserburg Castle served as a temporary convalescent facility for troops. The castle changed hands in 1923 when Carl Hugo Graf von Seilern und Aspang purchased the estate. The Seilern und Aspang family continues to own Wasserburg Castle to this day.
The castle’s historical narrative reflects a succession of noble families, each contributing to its rich heritage. Wasserburg’s role in providing a convalescent facility during a critical period underscores its adaptability to the evolving needs of different eras. The enduring ownership by the Seilern und Aspang family highlights the castle’s sustained significance and its continued role as a familial and cultural landmark in the region.
