You only see what you know (Goethe)
Have you ever listened to the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart inside a castle? At Tabor Manor (Schloss Tabor) in Neuhaus am Klausenbach I enjoyed his opera buffa ‘The Marriage of Figaro‘. It was fascinating to listen to the genius music of Mozart and to watch the full moon moving above the stage. [German]
Rotenturm Manor (Schloss Rotenturm), a romantic-eclectic building with Moorish forms in Rotenturm an der Pinka, was built by architect Antal Weber for Stephan Graf Erdődy in the years 1862/64. [German]
The former Zell Manor (Schloss Zell) houses a hotel today: “Das Schloss an der Eisenstrasse“. The hotel name refers to the region’s history, where many ironworking plants settled along the main road.
Windegg Mansion (Schloss Windegg) also known as the ‘Bürgle‘ was founded in 14th century as a guesthouse for a nearby abbey. There is a rumor that Pope Martin V stayed here for some time after his election in 1417 at the Council of Constance.
This is not the best photo taken through my bus window, but what would be a visit to Schaffhausen without taking a pic of its signature landmark? Munot was built as a circular fortress in the 16th century. It serves as a venue for events organized by the Munotverein today.
The Madonnenschlössel was built in 1923 by Mayor Georg Gyömörei. It was the residence of him and his wife, the sister of Count Almasy. Today, it serves as a budget-friendly accommodation for hikers and bikers and as a venue.
Höch Castle (Schloss Höch), first mentioned in the 11th century, offers a nice view over the Flachau area. Inside, visitors find a big salon with a splendid decoration made of wood. Today, it serves as a venue for cultural events.
Burgruine Dürnstein (Durnstein Castle) was first mentioned as castrum Dierenstein in 1144. The castle stands right at the border between Styria and Carinthia. I took this photo while riding the train between Friesach and Unzmarkt. You see the catenary of the railroad on the left side of the picture.
The Maßenburg is a castle ruin on a hill high over Leoben. It probably dates back to 13th century. From a viewing tower, built on the ruins of a former watch tower, visitors have a great view of Leoben.
The construction of Graz Castle (Grazer Burg) started in 1438 by Duke Friedrich V. The photo above was taken from the Burggarten, a hidden park just outside the old walls of Graz. The castle offers several intriguing elements, e.g. engravings showing the motto A.E.I.O.U. and a complete double spiral staircase.
I often pass Klammstein Castle (Burg Klammstein) on my train journeys through the Gastein Valley (Gasteinertal). In earlier times, this fortification blocked the valley in the north.
At Deutschkreutz Castle (Schloss Deutschkreutz), I had a guided tour by its owner Anton Lehmden. He is a member of the Vienna School of Fantastic Realism. You find many of his works in the rooms of the castle.