Castle Heinfels (Burg Heinfels) description and photos - Austria: Tyrol (Topic)

Burg Heinfels castle description and photos - Austria: Tyrol. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is Burg Heinfels.

Photo & Description

The impressive Castle of Heinfels is one of the main cultural attractions of this ski area, located in the eastern part of the Alta Pusteria Valley, which is mostly located in Italy. The imposing castle ruins, located above Pantzendorf near the town of Sillian, rise not only over the Val Pusteria valley, but also over the opposite Val Kartitz valley. You can climb here along a small road and several hiking trails.

Heinfels Castle was built over several centuries, and the oldest parts date back to the 13th century. The central part of this medieval defensive structure consists of a 20-meter tower and an adjoining room. The western wing of the castle is the largest and best preserved. It is here that a room with stucco decoration dating from the 18th century is located - this is the so-called Rittersaal.

In the 13th century, Heinfels Castle was owned by the Lords of Hortius, who founded their military base here. After the last representative of this noble family died in 1500, the castle passed into the ownership of Emperor Maximilian I, who was forced to give it to Bishop Bressanone. And soon after that, the castle again changed owners - this time they were the Lords of Volkenstein-Trostburg. In 1613, most of the building was destroyed in a terrible fire. Subsequently, the Trostburgs sold the castle to the state, and that, in turn, transferred it to the municipality of Heinfels. In 1977, the castle became private property.

Round and rectangular watchtowers, an impressive keep, courtyard and 38 embrasures have survived to this day from the once imposing castle of Heinfels. Also, the so-called guard posts were well preserved, which did not allow enemies to climb the walls.

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Topic: Castle Heinfels (Burg Heinfels) description and photos - Austria: Tyrol.