Ruins of the castle Federaun (Burgruine Federaun) description and photos - Austria: Villach (Topic)

Ruins of the castle Federaun (Burgruine Federaun) description and photos - Austria: Villach. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is Burgruine Federaun.

Photo and description

The picturesque ruins of Fedeun Castle are located southwest of Villach on the western spur of the Graschelitzen Mountains, famous for their sheer cliffs. The castle was built in a strategically important place - above the Gail River, where there was a ferry, which was part of the trade road connecting Villach with Tarvisio. The Fedeun fortress included a guard tower built on an island on the river. There was a customs point, which collected money for travel from merchants. Later, the towers were equipped with living rooms.

The first written mention of Fedeun Castle is found in the annals of 1311. In the middle of the 13th century, this fortress was conquered by Rudolf von Ras, who was also called Rosegg of Rosenthal. This lord has turned his fortress into a robber's den. His subordinates plundered trade caravans from Italy. In 1225, Bishop Heinrich von Bamberg was able to knock the robber out of the castle, and the looting stopped.

The decay of the Fedeun fortress probably began in the 17th century, when people left it.

You can climb to the castle from the east along a steep path in the rocks. Many tourists go up to the castle not only to inspect it, but also to see the surroundings of Villach from its foot. There is an observation deck.

Today, only ruins remain of the Fedeun fortress. The core of the castle, a palace that was built in the 12th century, appeared on the western side of the cliff. Subsequently, it expanded eastward several times. The result of these reconstructions was a large platform in front of the palace and two large towers. A water storage tank was also installed in the yard. On the east side, Fedeun Castle was protected by a deep moat.

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Topic: Ruins of the castle Federaun (Burgruine Federaun) description and photos - Austria: Villach.