Kollmitz Castle Ruins, Raabs an der Thaya, Austria

Kollmitz Castle is a ruined castle east of Raabs an der Thaya in Lower Austria. The castle was first mentioned in the 13th century and the construction of its main tower was completed in 1319.

In the 14th century the castle was used as a district court with ownership changing often. In 1411 the Freiherr von Hofkirchen came into possession of the castle, whose family would control the castle for the next two centuries. The Hofkirchen family lost possession of the castle in 1611 when Wolfgang von Hofkirchen died in exile in Prague during the Habsburg’s Counter Reformation, which saw him as a ringleader of Protestant nobility.

Following the end of Hofkirchen control, the castle changed hands several times and may even have been abandoned. In 1708 the Castle was acquired by Franz Anton von Quarient und Raal under whom the castle fell into disrepair as it no longer could serve any practical purpose.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Катя Рудь (3 years ago)
Very interesting ancient place! My son was very happy, he likes medieval castles. For 5 euro you can get the map and 2 keys for towers. The views, galleries, caves, old towers are amazing. Light fitness for the mom ?

Petr Matula (3 years ago)
A very nice ruin. For an adult, the entrance fee is only €2. Family 5. And you will receive a printed guide in Czech. Ascent to 2 towers with a great view.

Robert Falbesoner (3 years ago)
Impressive ruin. We were all alone there and could let our thoughts run free. What might have happened here?

Roxanne Schmidt (4 years ago)
Very nice castle ruins located in a rather remote area, that offer adventurous walks and outlooks or the surroundings. Some of the ascending or descending stairs are steep and might get slippery during bad weather, so be sure to bring good shoes. Definitely worth seeing with children, but be careful they don't slip. The highest tower can be climbed by lending a key from the shop. Small snacks can be bought there too.

Manfred Tschannerl (5 years ago)
Starting from Raabs / Thaya, walked the Ritterweg, length approx. 12 km. In the course of this hike you will pass the Kollmitz ruins. Also well worth seeing as a ruin with great views of the Thayatal. In front of the ruins of Kollmitz you pass the Bohemian Wall.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Infomastern

Historic Site of the week

Visby Cathedral

Visby Cathedral (also known as St. Mary’s Church) is the only survived medieval church in Visby. It was originally built for German merchants and inaugurated in 1225. Around the year 1350 the church was enlarged and converted into a basilica. The two-storey magazine was also added then above the nave as a warehouse for merchants.

Following the Reformation, the church was transformed into a parish church for the town of Visby. All other churches were abandoned. Shortly after the Reformation, in 1572, Gotland was made into its own Diocese, and the church designated its cathedral.

There is not much left of the original interior. The font is made of local red marble in the 13th century. The pulpit was made in Lübeck in 1684. There are 400 graves under the church floor.

Kollmitz Castle Ruins

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Visby Cathedral