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Burgschleinitz, one of the most romantic places in the area, is one of the last water castles in Waldviertel. Situated by an idyllic pond, surrounded by a deep moat, its massive castle wall stands tall. The castle's history dates back to the 11th century when it was the ancestral seat of the Schleunz family, eventually giving rise to the name 'Burgschleinitz.' Over the years, it changed owners frequently, including a brief period under the Habsburgs in the 14th century.
In 1480, the castle was attacked by Hussite troops and completely destroyed in the ensuing battle with the imperial army. A century later, Georg Bayer von Niederdürnbach began its reconstruction, leaving his mark on the second-floor barrel vault. However, he and his brother later committed suicide, leading to the property falling into the hands of Rudolph von Innspruckh. Ownership continued to change due to political unrest and unpaid taxes.
In the early 17th century, during the Thirty Years' War, Burgschleinitz suffered further damage from Bohemian troops. The Kuefstein Counts eventually occupied the castle, only to be succeeded by the Sazenhofen Barons after more than 300 years. Throughout its history, Burgschleinitz has been a source of inspiration for artists, especially writers, including Franz Grillparzer.
In 1974, the castle's moat, running beneath its walls, was refilled to restore its watery character. Today, it is privately owned and cared for by the Eckert family, including the actress Andrea Eckert.
The Beckov castle stands on a steep 50 m tall rock in the village Beckov. The dominance of the rock and impression of invincibility it gaves, challenged our ancestors to make use of these assets. The result is a remarkable harmony between the natural setting and architecture.
The castle first mentioned in 1200 was originally owned by the King and later, at the end of the 13th century it fell in hands of Matúš Èák. Its owners alternated - at the end of the 14th century the family of Stibor of Stiborice bought it.
The next owners, the Bánffys who adapted the Gothic castle to the Renaissance residence, improved its fortifications preventing the Turks from conquering it at the end of the 16th century. When Bánffys died out, the castle was owned by several noble families. It fell in decay after fire in 1729.
The history of the castle is the subject of different legends.