Riegersburg Castle

Riegersburg, Austria, Austria

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Riegersburg Castle in Austria is a majestic medieval fortress perched atop a 482-meter-high extinct volcano above the town of Riegersburg in Styria.

First mentioned in 1138 as "Ruotkerspurch," the castle was built on a basalt crag that had been populated for over 6,000 years due to its strategic and protective location. Known for being one of the strongest castles in the region, it was never captured despite facing numerous sieges by Turks and Hungarians during the 15th and 16th centuries.

The castle features extensive fortifications including 7 gates, 11 bastions, 4 kilometers of defensive walls, and two moats. Inside, visitors can explore 108 rooms showcasing late Baroque and Renaissance architecture, with highlights like the White Hall, the Knights' Hall, and various themed rooms including the Turkish Room.

The castle is also famous for its Witch Museum, which recounts the grim history of witch trials in the 17th century, and its Weapons Museum displaying centuries of armory and artillery. Owned by the princely House of Liechtenstein since 1822, the castle has been carefully restored and remains a popular tourist attraction offering breathtaking views, cultural exhibitions, falconry shows, and medieval festivalsRiegersburg Castle, Burg Riegersburg.