Schallaburg

The history of Schallaburg Castle began around 1,000 years ago: to protect it from the neighbouring villages, Sieghard X. Count von Schala had a residential castle built, surrounded by a mighty mountain wall. The fortified structure survived almost unchanged for one thousand years. To this day, the fortification still stands in front of the later Renaissance castle. Take a stroll with us through the history of Schallaburg Castle. 

Just under 500 years ago, Schallaburg Castle experienced a golden age: modelled on Italian architecture, Hans Wilhelm von Losenstein transformed it into the most magnificent Renaissance castle north of the Alps. Even then, the spirit of the Enlightenment was still alive within its walls: the seat of the Losenstein family was the centre of the new Protestant faith and home to a school that paved the way for an entirely different understanding of education. 

The historic garden is proof that people knew how to party at Schallaburg Castle: it contains what is probably the last Renaissance shooting range in Europe and the foundations of a ballroom where a precursor to tennis was once played. Even at the time, the garden itself was considered extraordinary - a recently discovered document tells of moulded beds, rare plants, clay figures and water features. Let yourself be whisked away into the world of Renaissance gardens!

In the arcaded courtyard with its two-storey arcades, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in Italy. 1,600 terracotta figures reflect how important classical education was for the builders: here, mythical creatures meet cheeky grimaces, gods meet stately coats of arms. Greek and Roman myths are told alongside local legends - such as that of the dog lady, who is said to haunt Schallaburg Castle to this day. 

Enjoy the southern flair of the arcaded courtyard with culinary delicacies, ice cream specialities or a cosy cup of coffee. 

Since its renovation 50 years ago, Schallaburg has established itself as one of Austria's largest exhibition centres and has gained international recognition far beyond the country’s borders. Not only is it geographically located in the heart of Europe, but an innovative programme with themes ranging from the "70s" to "Byzantium" and the "Danube", aimed at the whole family, creates space for encounters and dialogue.

Schallaburg Castle is an imposing work of art spanning generations, from the oldest surviving 11th-century building elements to the extension as a Renaissance castle in the 16th century. Many generations of noble owners have left us a rich cultural heritage. This includes not just the terracotta courtyard, which is probably unique in our part of the world, but also the medieval buildings, the "Hohe Schule" in Loosdorf and the high grave of Hans Wilhelm von Losenstein. In the second half of the 16th century, he was responsible for the opulent expansion of Schallaburg Castle into a Renaissance palace and had a Renaissance garden laid out, which has been described as exemplary. 

As a result of two world wars, the Great Depression and the lack of business acumen of the last owners from the Tinti family, Schallaburg Castle and the associated estate experienced a steady decline in the first half of the 20th century. With the State Treaty of 1955, the complex became the property of the Republic of Austria. In 1967, Schallaburg Castle was sold to the province of Lower Austria. Renovation work began in June 1968 and continued until 1974. Thanks to the immense success of the first Renaissance exhibition in 1974, Schallaburg Castle was able to establish itself as one of the most important exhibition centres in Lower Austria. 

Maintaining and renovating Schallaburg Castle is a challenge. But what does it mean to preserve Schallaburg Castle in alignment with its listed status? The aim is to carry out sustainable renovation that respects the fabric of the building and the historical architecture, taking into account the period of origin. Traditional craftsmanship techniques and time-honoured materials such as lime and oil paints are used.