- Type
- Castle
- Style
- Romanesque art
- Coordinates
- 47.0047°, 15.9325°
History
A stronghold on the basalt rock above eastern Styria is recorded as early as the 12th century. Its present form is the work of Baroness Katharina Elisabeth Galler, who in the mid-17th century turned it into a formidable fortress with seven gates and several kilometres of walls, guarding the border against the Ottomans. In 1673–1675 Riegersburg was the scene of one of Styria's largest witch trials. Since 1822 the castle has belonged to the Princes of Liechtenstein. It was never captured; the last fighting at its foot took place in spring 1945.
What to see
A steep path climbs through gate after gate to the top of the rock – or there is an inclined lift cut into it. The castle houses a witches' museum on the 17th-century trials, an armoury and rooms on the history of the Liechtenstein family. The walls overlook Styria's volcanic hills and vineyards, and below the castle a falconry centre stages flying displays.
Wikipedia article Official website Wikidata Q872115
Popularity: articles about this site in 16 Wikimedia projects (Wikipedia language editions and others).