Ottenstein Castle, Ottenstein, Austria

The mighty shingle-covered cone and hipped roofs of Ottenstein Castle are an impressive sight. Antique fairs, art and other special exhibitions are regularly held in the castle. Of particular interest to art-lovers is the Romanesque castle chapel with vaulted ceilings decorated with monumental frescos dating back to about 1170. There is also a restaurant.

One of Ottenstein family members was first mentioned in 1177, but the castle is probably older. Ottenstein family owned the castle until the 15th century. In 1516 the castle came into the possession of Paul Stodoligk. Under his son Eustach numerous extensions were carried out. During the Thirty Years' War the castle was besieged two times, in 1622 and 1640 without success.

References:

waldviertel.at

User Reviews

Michael Ludwig (3 years ago)
Wie jedes Jahr sehr zufrieden Freundliches Personal Super Essen Schöne und saubere Zimmer Was will man mehr? Freue mich auf nächstes Jahr wenn ich wieder hier bin.

Peter Gruber (3 years ago)
Great place to see historical castle building in a very nature and quiet region. Perfect for walkings.

Ekrem Canli (4 years ago)
This is a really well preserved, beautiful castle next to the Kamp river. Too bad the castle restaurant closed a few years ago and is now only operated after advance reservation for larger groups (for weddings for example).

Svitlana Kyazimova (5 years ago)
Remote. Quiet. Welcoming. Beautiful

Veronica P (5 years ago)
Also a wedding venue, great for taking wedding photos.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright levaletfrancois

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Château de Falaise is best known as a castle, where William the Conqueror, the son of Duke Robert of Normandy, was born in about 1028. William went on to conquer England and become king and possession of the castle descended through his heirs until the 13th century when it was captured by King Philip II of France. Possession of the castle changed hands several times during the Hundred Years' War. The castle was deserted during the 17th century. Since 1840 it has been protected as a monument historique.

The castle (12th–13th century), which overlooks the town from a high crag, was formerly the seat of the Dukes of Normandy. The construction was started on the site of an earlier castle in 1123 by Henry I of England, with the 'large keep' (grand donjon). Later was added the 'small keep' (petit donjon). The tower built in the first quarter of the 12th century contained a hall, chapel, and a room for the lord, but no small rooms for a complicated household arrangement; in this way, it was similar to towers at Corfe, Norwich, and Portchester, all in England. In 1202 Arthur I, Duke of Brittany was King John of England's nephew, was imprisoned in Falaise castle's keep. According to contemporaneous chronicler Ralph of Coggeshall, John ordered two of his servants to mutilate the duke. Hugh de Burgh was in charge of guarding Arthur and refused to let him be mutilated, but to demoralise Arthur's supporters was to announce his death. The circumstances of Arthur's death are unclear, though he probably died in 1203.

In about 1207, after having conquered Normandy, Philip II Augustus ordered the building of a new cylindrical keep. It was later named the Talbot Tower (Tour Talbot) after the English commander responsible for its repair during the Hundred Years' War. It is a tall round tower, similar design to the towers built at Gisors and the medieval Louvre.Possession of the castle changed hands several times during the Hundred Years' War. The castle was deserted during the 17th century. Since 1840, Château de Falaise has been recognised as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.

A programme of restoration was carried out between 1870 and 1874. The castle suffered due to bombardment during the Second World War in the battle for the Falaise pocket in 1944, but the three keeps were unscathed.

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