Description of the attraction
Oberkapfenberg is an ancient castle near the Austrian city of Kapfenberg (Styria federal state).
The first written mentions of the existence of a castle here, however, called Haffenberg, date back to 1173. In the second half of the 13th century, the castle was extensively rebuilt and became the residence of the Counts von Stubenberg. The castle also housed the regional Supreme Court.
Subsequently, the castle changed its owners several times, but in the middle of the 16th century it again became the property of the Counts von Stubenberg and underwent drastic changes. Under the leadership of the Italian architect Antonio Balin de Comose, the old medieval castle turned into a powerful impregnable fortress, built in the spirit of the Renaissance.
In 1739, the Stubenbergs moved to the Vienna residence. The castle was deserted and eventually turned into ruins. Only in 1953, the heirs of the Stubenbergs restored the castle, turning it into a hotel. True, the hotel existed only until 1985, after which the castle was abandoned again. In 1992, Oberkapfenberg Castle became the property of the city of Kapfenberg. In 1994, after carrying out large-scale restoration work, the castle opened its doors to visitors.
Today Oberkapfenberg Castle is an important historical and architectural monument. Within the walls of the castle, various exhibitions are held on an ongoing basis (exhibition of weapons and instruments for torture, an exposition dedicated to alchemy, etc.) and various cultural events - shows of birds of prey, knightly tournaments and much more. Every June, Oberkapfenberg Castle hosts one of the largest medieval festivals in Austria, known far beyond its borders. There are also specially equipped comfortable conference rooms and an excellent restaurant in the castle.
Oberkapfenberg Castle is especially popular for wedding ceremonies, which are usually held in the Loreto Chapel, built in 1676 and perfectly preserved to this day.
