Burgruine Starhemberg

P3

Inner wall of the housing unit during the transition from the northern to eastern

The ruins Starhemberg located in Piestingtal in Lower Austria on a hill not far from Dreistetten.

Location

The large castle ruin extends to the hilltop from southwest to northeast.

History

The name Starhemberg is derived from the original name ' strong mountain ' or ' high mountain '. The Upper Austrian noble family Starhemberg this castle has nothing to do. As a builder applies Margrave Otakar III. of Styria, which 1140-1145 built a small castle at this point. The Piesting at the time was the border between Styria and the Ostmark. 1192 fell Styria and thus the castle to the Babenberg. The last Duke of Babenberg, Frederick the Quarrelsome left, expand the castle and re- attach. In the 13th century Starhemberg was one of the most important castles in Lower Austria.

In wartime, the archive and the family treasure was salvaged here and were guarded by the Teutonic Knights. After the battle of Dürnkrut 1278 the Hapsburgs held the castle. 1482 Castle of Matthias Corvinus was taken.

In the second Turkish siege of Vienna in 1683, the castle of the surrounding population offered protection against the forces of the Ottoman army.

In order to escape the new roof control, Counts Heuss stone could break out around 1800 doors and window frames and cover the roofs. Thus, the decay of the castle began. In 1870 collapsed much of the Palas. Until the mid-20th century, the ruins of the population was used for building materials.

In spring 1945 there was a unit of the Waffen- SS, which maintained an observation post on the tower above the chapel in ruins. Russian artillery fire added to the walls to serious damage.

In the second half of the 20th century a local Burgverein ( "Friends of Starhemberg Castle " ) sought to the restoration of the ruins. Since 2007 she has been locked for security for visitors.