Schloss Kornberg
Steiermark
Schloss Kornberg is a historic castle located near Riegersburg in Styria, Austria. Originally mentioned in 1284, it was built as a fortified complex by the Lords of Kornberg to secure the Hungarian border rather than as a residential palace. Over centuries, the castle changed hands through notable families including the Lords of Walsee, the Lords von Graben who made it an administrative center, and later the Counts von Stadl who transformed it into a residential castle during the 16th and 17th centuries. The castle features a distinctive Renaissance courtyard with four reinforcing towers and houses a chapel dedicated to Saint Andrew, founded in 1377. Today, Schloss Kornberg remains privately owned but serves as a vibrant cultural and tourist site, hosting exhibitions such as oriental carpets, seasonal Easter and Christmas displays, and culinary events. Its grounds include a restaurant, an arts and crafts shop, and the nearby "House of the Region" for seminars and courses. The castle is also part of the Schlösserstraße, a route connecting notable castles in the region, making it a unique blend of historical architecture and modern cultural life.
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Astuce: Visit Schloss Kornberg during spring for the popular Easter exhibition or in March for the 'Lange Nacht der Kulinarik' featuring guided tours and culinary delights. Reservations are recommended for special events like the medieval-themed Ritteressen and the immersive Krimidinner. Tickets for these events often include meals and entertainment, and advance booking ensures availability. The castle offers free entry during the Easter exhibition and various discounts may apply for group visits or combined tickets with other Schlösserstraße sites.
Faits intéressants
- •Schloss Kornberg was originally built not as a residence but as a fortified complex to secure the border with Hungary.
- •The Lords von Graben changed their coat of arms to a silver shovel on red after acquiring the castle, symbolizing the Kornberger line.
- •The castle chapel dedicated to Saint Andrew was founded in 1377 and later rebuilt in the 16th century after destruction.
- •The castle hosts an annual Oriental carpet exhibition, as well as large Easter and Christmas exhibitions in its vaulted rooms.
- •The nearby Meierhof houses a permanent exhibition called "World of Castles" featuring models of castles worldwide and includes a planetarium.
Histoire
First documented in 1284, Schloss Kornberg was initially a fortified castle guarding the Hungarian border.
It was sold in 1308 to the Lords of Walsee and then given as a fief to the Lords von Graben in 1328, who established their Kornberger line and modified their coat of arms accordingly.
The castle became their administrative seat and was fortified further, including the foundation of the Saint Andrew chapel in 1377.
After the Graben line ended in 1556, the castle passed to the Lords and Counts von Stadl, who expanded and converted it into a residential castle in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Ownership later transferred briefly to the House of Liechtenstein before being acquired by Charles Francois Bardeau in 1871, whose descendants continue to own the castle today.
Guide du lieu
Renaissance Courtyard16th century
A spacious courtyard reinforced by four towers, showcasing Renaissance architectural elements and serving as the castle's central open area for events and exhibitions.
Saint Andrew's Chapel1377 (original), 16th century (rebuilt)
Originally founded in 1377 by Friedrich I von Graben, this chapel was rebuilt in the 16th century in a lavish style after earlier destruction, dedicated to the castle's patron saint.
Exhibition Halls
Approximately 400 square meters of exhibition space on the ground floor host annual Oriental carpet exhibitions and seasonal Easter and Christmas displays, offering cultural enrichment to visitors.
House of the Region
A nearby building used for courses, seminars, and events, supporting educational and cultural activities connected to the castle and local heritage.
Contact
Téléphone: 0664 5124224