Description of the attraction
Lokenhaus Castle is a medieval castle located in the southeastern part of Lokenhaus in Burgenland. The castle is located in a hilly area in eastern Austria, close to the Hungarian border, 120 kilometers south of Vienna. There is a picturesque lake at the foot of the castle.
The castle was built in Romanesque and Gothic styles around 1200 and originally had the Hungarian name "Leka". Lokenhaus was built to protect the Roman province of Pannonia from Mongol raids. The castle at different times was owned by such famous personalities as Henry II, Czech king Ottokar II and Emperor Maximilian II. In 1337, Lokenhaus was destroyed by Charles I.
Gradually, the castle was restored and passed into the possession of Francis II, who married Elizabeth Bathory, who went down in history as the "bloody countess", known for her terror and torture. More than a hundred women died at her hands.
The city and castle flourished during the reign of Francis III (1622-1671), who was a lieutenant lord and a member of the Royal Council. He married Julia Anna Esterhazy, daughter of Nikolaus Esterhazy.
During the Turkish war in 1683, the castle suffered a lot of damage, it was partially looted and destroyed.
During the First World War and in subsequent years, the castle remained unchanged. Reconstruction began only after World War II, in 1968, when Professor Paul Keller Anton and his wife Margaret bought the castle, which is in ruins. The renovation was estimated at 800 thousand euros. The family sold all their property, investing 500 thousand euros in the castle. Professor Keller died a few years before the completion of the extensive renovation. However, his wife continued to work, completing the task and renaming the castle "Professor Keller Foundation - Lockenhouse Castle" in honor of her husband.
The solemn Knights' Hall, a chapel, an underground crypt have survived from earlier times. The walls are decorated with frescoes from the 13th century. According to unconfirmed reports, the Templars were in the castle.
Currently, the castle regularly hosts seminars, meetings and various cultural events.
