Raabs Castle

Raabs Castle, situated on a steep rocky promontory above the confluence of the Thaya rivers, towers over the small town. Standing on the balcony is like standing on the bow of a ship sailing into the past. The castle was built around 1050.

Instability in South Moravian space in the first half of the 11th century led to repeated conflicts. For example, in the Altahensis annales it is recorded that in 1082 the son of Margrave Adalbert took one of the towns at the present northern provincial border after it was forcibly taken from his father by the Přemyslids. After the extinction of the Raab Counts in the male line (around 1192) the western territory with the castle passed to Count Hirschberg-Tollenstein.

In 1252, Czech King Přemysl Otakar II acquired the whole county. Owner of the castle became Vok I. of Rožmberk from Czech noble clan Vítkovci. In 1282, the Castle passed to Habsburgs, because after 1278 a large part of the county was confiscated by King Rudolf.

The castle is presently owned by the publisher Richard Pils and his family. The “province library” publishes numerous award-winning books and books are the focal point of the annual poets’ festival in August. Various exhibitions alternate during the year. Guided tours can be organized upon request.

Address

Schloßstraße 13, Raabs an der Thaya, Austria

Details

Founded: c. 1050
Category: Castles and fortifications in Austria