Burgau Castle, Burgau, Austria

Burgau Castle was originally surrounded by a water trench which gave the name to the village Burg in der Au ('Castle in the Meadow'). The fortification was of great strategic importance against ongoing Turkish and Hungarian invasions from the East across the nearby Lafnitz river. The castle was first mentioned in 1367 as a property of the lords of Puchheim. Then the municipality and the castle were given as a feoff to the house of Neitberg before being handed over to Weikhard von Polheim. Thanks to newly built fortifications commanded by Erhard von Polheim, the invading Turks could be defied in the years 1529 and 1532. In the end, the indebted property of Burgau was given to Mathias von Trauttmannsdorff, who oppressed the local population with high socage fees. In 1704, Eastern Styria was heavily devastated by attacking Kuruz, Hungarians rebelling against the Habsburgs. The mayor saved the village by offering weapons and money to the invaders.

Today the renovated Burgau Castle houses the mayor's office, apartments and a café. The festive hall and the arcaded courtyard are used for indoor and outdoor cultural events and annual exhibitions for Christmas and Easter.

User Reviews

Emocionálne zdravie (7 months ago)
I was there at the Christmas markets, a very pleasant and beautifully used place for the Christmas atmosphere.

Gerold Holzmann (7 months ago)
The oldest parts of the castle date back to the 14th century. Today it is used by the community as an official building and event location. One of these events is the Christmas market, which is held in the idyllic ambience of the castle. The inner courtyard, cellar vaults and the second floor (elevator is available) offer exhibitors space to present their goods. On weekends there is a lot of crowding among visitors due to the narrow paths between the shelves.

Lubos Beno (14 months ago)
I waiting for food so long ,long time…i was order first and i had the last????

Steve Mac Queen (15 months ago)
Very nice castle, good photo opportunities. Exhibitions and events also take place here from time to time. For example, Easter and spring exhibitions. There is also always live music in the inner courtyard of the castle. Worth seeing, recommended.

Dr Akhil Balachandran (15 months ago)
Peaceful ambiance

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Infomastern

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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.

Burgau Castle

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