A Website About Castles

Step into a world of medieval enchantment and explore the grandeur of some of the world's most magnificent fortresses with Pictures of Castles!

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Castles

Castles have captured people's imaginations for centuries. Castles come in a range of architectural styles from medieval to Gothic, and each one is unique in it's own way. Originally constructed for defensive purposes, many Castles have been repurposd for other uses such as residences or tourist attractions.

Houses

Several familial houses have owned and controlled the most castles in the world. These include the Habsburgs, who controlled numerous castles throughout Europe, and the Windsor family, who own and reside in several castles in the United Kingdom, including Windsor Castle and Balmoral Castle.

Battles

Battles for castles were often fierce and brutal affairs, with attackers using a range of tactics such as seige engines, mining, and direct assault to breach the castle walls. Defenders employed strategies such as shooting arrows and dropping rocks from above, and setting traps to slow down or deter the enemy.

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Piberstein Castle

The Piberstein Castle in Austria is a majestic fortress that was built by the Counts of Plain in the 11th century. The castle is located in the town of Feldkirchen in the southern Austrian state of Carinthia. It sits atop a rocky hill and overlooks the town and the surrounding landscape, making it a formidable stronghold in medieval times.

Over the centuries, Piberstein Castle was the site of many battles and sieges as various rulers and armies sought to conquer it. During the Middle Ages, the castle changed hands several times as local lords and dukes fought for control of the region.

One of the most significant battles in the history of Piberstein Castle took place in 1121, when the castle was attacked by Duke Bretislav II of Bohemia. The Bohemians were ultimately defeated and the castle remained in the hands of the local counts. However, it was later destroyed during the wars between the Austrians and the Turks in the 16th century.

In the 17th century, the castle was rebuilt and expanded by the Countess Maria Antonia of Hohenems. She added new towers and walls to the castle, making it even more formidable than before. During the Napoleonic Wars, the castle was used to house prisoners of war and was later used as a barracks for Austrian soldiers.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the castle was used as a private residence by various aristocratic families. During this time, it fell into disrepair and was in danger of being lost entirely. However, in the 1970s, a group of local volunteers began a restoration project, and today the castle is a popular tourist attraction.

Visitors to Piberstein Castle can explore its many rooms and halls, including the impressive great hall and the chapel. They can also admire the castle's many towers and battlements, which offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The castle is also home to a small museum, which showcases the history of the castle and the surrounding region.

Despite its many battles and its turbulent history, Piberstein Castle has survived through the centuries and remains one of Austria's most impressive historical landmarks. Its impressive architecture and rich history make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in medieval history and architecture, as well as those who simply appreciate the beauty of ancient ruins and fortresses.

Piberstein Castle