Ruqayyah Snyder
Burgruine Starhemberg is a castle ruin in Lower Austria, Austria, that sits 520 metres (1,710 ft) above sea level. The castle was built in the 1140s by Ottokar III, Margrave of Styria, and was acquired by the Babenbergs in 1192. By the late 19th century, the castle had fallen into ruins, and in the second half of the 20th century, a local organisation, Friends of the Castle Starhemberg, began efforts to restore the site.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Piesting, Wiener Neustadt, Lower Austria, Austria |
| Type | Castle |
| Height | 520 metres (1,710 ft) above sea level |
| Construction | 1140s |
| Current State | Ruins |
| Organisations Involved | Friends of the Castle Starhemberg |
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What You'll Learn
The castle was built in the 1140s
The Burgruine Starhemberg castle in Lower Austria was built in the 1140s. More specifically, the castle was constructed between 1140 and 1145 by Ottokar III, the Margrave of Styria. At the time, the Piesting River acted as the border between Styria and the March of Austria.
The castle was initially small, but it was expanded and fortified by Frederick II, the last Babenberger duke of Austria, in the 13th century. Frederick's additions to the castle included strong fortifications, splendid residential buildings, and a chapel connected to the south wing. With these additions, the castle became one of the most important castles in Lower Austria.
In 1278, after the Battle on the Marchfeld, the castle was acquired by the Habsburgs. It is said that the castle was considered "impregnable" and that it could only be conquered through indirect means such as starvation from siege. The castle's strategic importance is reflected in its name, "Starhemberg," which is derived from the original name of "high mountain" or "Starkenberg."
Despite its formidable reputation, the castle fell into ruins by the late 19th century. However, in the second half of the 20th century, a local organisation called Friends of the Castle Starhemberg has worked to restore the ruins, and their efforts continue to this day.
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It fell into ruins by the late 19th century
Burguine Starhemberg, a castle in Lower Austria, fell into ruins by the late 19th century. The castle was built in the 1140s, and its name is derived from the original name of 'high mountain' or 'Starkenberg'. The castle was initially small, constructed by Ottokar III, Margrave of Styria between 1140 and 1145. In 1192, the castle was acquired by the Babenbergs, and it was expanded and fortified by the last Babenberger duke of Austria, Frederick II the Warlike. As a result of his enhancements, the castle became one of the most important in Lower Austria during the 13th century.
However, the castle began to decline around 1800 when the counts of Heusenstamm removed the roof covering, doors, and window frames to avoid a new roof tax. This left the castle exposed to the elements, accelerating its deterioration. By 1870, a large part of the great hall had collapsed, signalling the castle's state of ruin. The decline was further exacerbated during World War II when, in 1945, a unit of the Waffen-SS utilised the ruined tower above the chapel as an observation post. The walls suffered heavy damage from Russian artillery fire, leaving the castle in an even more dilapidated state.
In the latter half of the 20th century, a local organisation called Friends of the Castle Starhemberg endeavoured to restore the ruins. Their efforts, along with those of the community, have been instrumental in preserving and partially reopening the site. The castle's ruins stand at an elevation of 520 metres (1,710 feet) above sea level, bearing witness to a rich historical past that spans centuries.
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It is 520 metres above sea level
The Burgruine Starhemberg castle in Lower Austria sits at an elevation of 520 metres (1,710 feet) above sea level. The name Starhemberg is derived from the original name of 'high mountain' or 'Starkenberg', reflecting its elevated position.
The castle was built between 1140 and 1145 by Ottokar III, Margrave of Styria. At that time, the Piesting River served as the border between Styria and the March of Austria. This strategic location, perched high above the surrounding landscape, may have been a key factor in the site's selection for the castle's construction.
Sitting at an elevation of 520 metres, the castle would have enjoyed a commanding view of the surrounding area. This vantage point would have provided early warning of any approaching threats, making it an ideal defensive position. The elevation also may have symbolised the power and dominance of the castle's inhabitants, contributing to its importance in the region.
Being 520 metres above sea level, the castle would have experienced different climatic conditions than the surrounding lower-lying areas. The higher elevation could have resulted in cooler temperatures, increased cloud cover, and more significant wind speeds. These factors would have influenced the castle's inhabitants' daily lives, impacting everything from their clothing choices to the crops they could cultivate.
Today, the castle lies in ruins, but its elevated position at 520 metres above sea level remains a defining characteristic. This elevation contributes to the site's striking appearance and the sense of grandeur that still lingers despite the castle's dilapidated state.
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The name means 'high mountain' or 'Starkenberg'
Burguine Starhemberg was a castle in Lower Austria, built between 1140 and 1145 by Ottokar III, the Margrave of Styria. The name "Starhemberg" is derived from the original name "Starkenberg", which means "high mountain". The castle is situated 520 meters (1,710 feet) above sea level. At the time of its construction, the Piesting River was the border between Styria and the March of Austria.
In 1192, Styria, and thus the castle, was acquired by the Babenbergs. Frederick II, the Warlike, the last Babenberger duke of Austria, expanded and fortified the castle, making it one of the most important castles in Lower Austria in the 13th century. The castle served as a hiding place for archives and family treasure during wartime, guarded by the Teutonic Knights.
After the Battle on the Marchfeld in 1278, the castle was acquired by the Habsburgs. Over the centuries, it changed hands several times, eventually falling into ruin by the late 19th century. In the second half of the 20th century, a local organisation called Friends of the Castle Starhemberg has been working to restore the ruins and preserve them from further decay. The castle has been closed to visitors since 2007 due to security concerns.
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It is located in Piesting, Lower Austria
Burgruine Starhemberg is a castle located in Piesting, Lower Austria. It was built between 1140 and 1145 by Ottokar III, Margrave of Styria, and sits 520 metres (1,710 feet) above sea level. The name is derived from the original name of 'high mountain' or 'Starkenberg'.
In 1192, the castle was acquired by the Babenbergs, with the last Babenberger duke of Austria, Frederick II, expanding and fortifying the castle, leaving it as one of the most important castles in Lower Austria in the 13th century. By the late 19th century, the castle had fallen into ruins. However, in the second half of the 20th century, a local organisation, Friends of the Castle Starhemberg, has sought to restore the ruins.
The castle is situated in the town of Piesting, in the Wiener Neustadt district of Lower Austria. The town is known for its picturesque setting and is a popular destination for hiking and exploring the castle ruins. The ruins offer a multitude of rooms to explore and provide nice views of the surrounding area.
There are several hiking trails that lead to Burgruine Starhemberg, including the Burgruine Starhemberg – Dreistetten loop from Muthmannsdorf and the Burgruine Starhemberg – Rotes Kreuz loop from Markt Piesting. These trails offer intermediate-level hikes that provide a great way to experience the castle and the surrounding area.
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Frequently asked questions
Burguine Starhemberg is in Lower Austria, Austria.
Yes, there are several hiking routes that lead to the castle ruins.
The castle was built between 1140 and 1145 by Ottokar III, Margrave of Styria. In 1192, the castle was acquired by the Babenbergs and was expanded and fortified, becoming one of the most important castles in Lower Austria in the 13th century. By the late 19th century, the castle had fallen into ruins.
Yes, in the second half of the 20th century, a local organisation called "Friends of the Castle Starhemberg" was established to restore and preserve the ruins.
