Description of the attraction
Sommeregg Castle is located in the commune of Seeboden in the Austrian province of Carinthia. The castle was first mentioned in 1187.
During feudal times, the castle served as a residence for the viscounts from Sommeregg. It is known for certain that on May 29, 1275, a large celebration took place in the castle on the occasion of the marriage of Count Albert and Countess Euphemia of the Ortenburg-Hardeg clan. Since 1344, the owners of the castle were awarded the honorary title of burgraves for them, which gave them the right to collect tribute from the peasants living on the lands of the castle.
The Ortenburg family ceased to exist in 1418, after which the castle and adjacent territories were inherited by the influential Slovenian family of Celje, which received its surname from the name of their previous castle. The Celle clan took part in many wars, acting on the side of the Habsburgs, as a result of which the family received more and more lands and awards and strengthened its position in high society. Gradually, the Celje became related to several ruling houses of Europe, gaining great influence.
In 1628, the castle passed into the possession of the Italian Hans Wittmann, however, 23 years later, Sommeregg found a new owner. It was Count Lodron. The count's family lived in the castle for about 300 years. Since 1932, the castle was left unattended and began to collapse. A few decades later, the castle was bought by a wealthy family, who put Sommeregg in order, completely returning it to its previous appearance. After the end of the restoration, the castle was sold again. The new owners opened a torture museum here in 1997 and a tourist restaurant. Every year at the end of summer, knightly tournaments and performances are held on the territory of the castle.
Throughout its long history, the castle passed from the hands of one owner to another. It is currently up for sale again for € 4 million.
