Burgruine Starhemberg

Markt Piesting, Austria

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Burgruine Starhemberg is a castle ruin located near Markt Piesting in Lower Austria, built around 1140 to 1145 by Ottokar III, Margrave of Styria. Originally situated on the border between Styria and the March of Austria, the castle became a significant stronghold in the 13th century under the Babenbergs, who expanded and fortified it.

It housed important family archives and treasures guarded by the Teutonic Knights. After the Battle on the Marchfeld in 1278, the Habsburgs took control, and the castle later offered refuge to locals during the Turkish invasions in 1683. Decline began in the 19th century when the roof was removed to avoid taxes, leading to structural collapse and material scavenging by locals.

The ruins suffered further damage during World War II from artillery fire. Efforts to restore the castle have been ongoing since the early 20th century, but it has been closed to visitors since 2007 for safety reasons. The site remains a historic landmark representing medieval architecture and regional history.