Description of the attraction
Eberau Castle is located in a small settlement of the same name, located in the border region of Austria on the territory of the federal state of Burgenland. The Hungarian border is less than one kilometer away. This castle is the largest surviving castle built on water in all of Austria.
The first mention of Eberau dates back to 1000, and in 1221 these lands were donated to the large monastery of St. Gotthard, and from 1297 to 1369 Eberau generally belonged to the Hungarian royal family. Then he went to the large magnates Ellerbach, who erected powerful defensive fortifications on this place. According to the surviving ancient documents, Eberau Castle was built in 1400.
This fortress has established itself as an impregnable structure. There is no documentary evidence of its capture by enemy troops. The castle guarded trade routes along the course of the large Pinki River, and also provided refuge to residents of neighboring towns and villages during the Turkish wars. Since 1496, the palace passed into the possession of the counts of Erdödi. Interestingly, the same ancient Hungarian family still owns this castle for over 500 years.
Despite the fact that this monumental structure was rebuilt in the Baroque style in the 17th century, many details of its structure, especially the defensive fortifications, have been partially preserved from the 15th century. Especially noteworthy are the three high earthen ramparts on which the redoubts were located, and the four deep moats surrounding the castle. However, now they are all either dried up or already covered with earth.
The castle itself is made in the form of a quadrangle, in the center of which there is a small courtyard, and powerful corner towers stand out on the sides. It is worth noting the main entrance to the castle, decorated in a baroque style and decorated with a triangular pediment.
At the moment, large-scale restoration work is underway on the territory of the Eberau Palace, so it is closed for tourist visits. Only once a year, during a theatrical performance in this castle, visitors can look into the courtyard of this ancient building.
