Luftaufnahme der Schallaburg

Schallaburg

A place of living history

Immerse yourself in history
Die Schallaburg bei Sonnenaufgang. © Rupert Pessl
    Knowledge about the Renaissance castle

    The history of Schallaburg Castle

    Middle Ages

    The fortified castle

    © Rupert Pessl

    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. 

    Renaissance

    A magnificent castle

    © Rupert Pessl

    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. 

    Exceptional gardens

    © Rupert Pessl

    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!

    A piece of Italy in Lower Austria

    Terracotta courtyard with southern flair

    © Rupert Pessl

    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 1974:

    International Exhibition Centre

    Sonnenschirme im Großen Arkadenhof auf der Schallaburg bei Sonnenschein
    © Rupert Pessl

    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

    1,000 years of “Gesamtkunstwerk”

    Ringmauer und Brücke
    Die Ringmauer aus dem 11. Jahrhundert ist mit der Zeit immer höher geworden. © Rupert Pessl

    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. 

    Research & preservation

    Preservation of a cultural jewel

    Ansicht der historischen Schießestätte der Schallaburg
    Die historische Schießstätte entstand in mehreren Schritten zwischen 1580 und 1600. © Rupert Pessl

    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.

    WEITER STÖBERN

    Schallaburg kennenlernen

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