Description of the attraction
Altmunster is an Austrian city with a population of about 10 thousand people, which is located at an altitude of 442 meters above sea level on the shores of one of the most beautiful lakes in Upper Austria - Lake Traunsee. According to the assurances of archaeologists, these places were inhabited during the Bronze Age. This is evidenced by archaeological excavations at the foot of the Gmünden mountain. Illyrians, Celts and Romans have visited this place in succession. From the period of the domination of the latter, there is a burial that was recently discovered by scientists. The Romanesque font in the local church and some of the old names of the houses remind of the times of the Bavarian conquest, which took place at the beginning of the 8th century.
For the first time in written sources Altmunster is mentioned in 909 as a settlement at the Trunseo monastery, founded in the same period. Initially, the city belonged to the Bavarian principality, but from the 12th century it became the property of the Duchy of Austria.
Altmünster offers its guests several interesting objects suitable for sightseeing. For example, there is a museum here that tells about more than 200 years of bicycle history. Among its exhibits there are old two- and four-wheeled specimens, on which you can sit and take pictures. Also, tourists can see two castles - Traunsee and Ebenweier. The first was built in 1872-1875 by Philip von Württemberg as a summer residence for his wife, Archduchess Maria Theresa. Therefore, this building was previously known under the name "Villa Maria Theresia". Now the majestic pentagonal palace with a corner tower belongs to the state.
Ebenweier Castle - an elongated three-story building with a porch supported by columns - more closely resembles old Russian estates than European castles. In 2016, this palace was severely damaged by fire.
Also in the city of Altmünster there are two churches that you can go to during services.
