Grafenegg Palace

Schloss Grafenegg, originally a small settlement called Espersdorf in 1294, evolved into its present form over centuries. It received its name in the 15th century and went through various ownership changes, passing to Holy Roman Emperor Frederick III and later the Thurzó family. In the 17th century, it was fortified by Johann Baptist Verda von Verdenberg during the Thirty Years' War.

The castle's transformation continued in the 19th century under the Breuner-Enckevoirt family, who reconstructed it in the romantic historicism style. The financial crisis of 1873 halted some planned expansions, preserving the castle's character. Marie Breunner-Enckevoirth inherited it and passed it on to the ducal house of Ratibor and Corvey when she married Viktor II, Duke of Ratibor and Prince of Corvey.

While not their main residence, the castle remained in their possession until it was heavily damaged during the Russian occupation in 1945-1955. Restoration efforts by Franz-Albrecht, who adopted the Metternich-Sandór name, began in 1967, with support from Austrian authorities. Today, Schloss Grafenegg is open to the public.

The 19th century conversion by the architects Leopold and Hugo Ernst left the nucleus of the existing building almost fully intact. However, they gave the castle exterior a completely different impression by adding stepped gables, arcades and facade decoration in a neo-gothic Tudor style. Ludwig Wächtler was responsible for the interior decoration, which was largely in Renaissance Revival architecture. The closed complex consists of four wings arranged around an inner courtyard.

Address

Grafenegg 1, Grafenegg, Austria

Details

Founded: 19th century
Category: Palaces, manors and town halls in Austria