Description of the attraction
The ruins of Ortenburg Castle are located in the village of Baldramsdorf, on the northern slope of Mount Goldeck, at an altitude of 740 meters above sea level. The Ortenburg fortress is a powerful fortification with two drawbridges and several palaces with adjacent outbuildings. Interestingly, they were all built at different periods of time. A Romanesque fortress and Gothic fortifications have been preserved here. In the third courtyard of the Ortenburg castle, an ancient chapel, fortified towers and a master's palace have survived to this day.
Ortenburg Castle was built by order of a high-ranking nobleman Adalbert, probably in the 11th century, although the first mention of the castle occurs in the annals of 1136. In 1348, there was a strong earthquake in Carinthia, which caused the destruction of many castles. The fortress of Ortenburg was also damaged.
The owners of Ortenburg Castle, which was the center of the powerful district of Carinthia, managed not to lose their lands until 1518.
In 1527, Gabriel von Salamanca-Ortenburg built a small building in Spital, where only servants lived for a time. Today we know this building called the Lower Ortenburg Castle. It currently houses the Carinthian Crafts Museum.
In 1662 the Ortenburg estate was sold to the princes of Portia. After 28 years, the once majestic and impregnable castle was destroyed due to a strong earthquake.
Since 1976, the ruins of Ortenburg Castle have been open to the public. The preservation of the historical site is ensured by the "Association of Ortenburg Helpers". Since 1995, the area where Ortenburg Castle is located has been owned by a private individual.
