Ruins of the castle of Rabenstein (Burgruine Rabenstein) description and photos - Austria: Tyrol (Topic)

Ruins of the castle of Rabenstein (Burgruine Rabenstein) 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 Burgruine Rabenstein.

Photo and description

The ruins of Rabenstein Castle, also called Virgen Castle, are located on a hill above the village of Virgen in East Tyrol. The castle, built in the 12th century, was used until the beginning of the 18th century. Mostly only the castle manager lived here. After his departure, the fortress began to gradually collapse. In 1963, most of it was swallowed up by the forest. At the same time, work was carried out to preserve the ruins. The area of the dilapidated castle Rabenstein is 4800 square meters. It is the third largest medieval castle complex in Tyrol.

Rabenstein Castle stands on a wooded hill at an altitude of 1410 meters. Due to this, the castle is considered one of the highest castles in Tyrol. You can reach it from Virgen village along the southern road, which turns into a trail.

Archaeologists during excavations on Rabenstein Hill have discovered two coins and jewelry dating from the Roman era. This means that already in those days people settled on the hill. The medieval fortress was first mentioned in documents from 1182. Initially, the local lands belonged to Count Albert of Tyrol. The conflict between the Count of Tyrol and the Archbishop of Salzburg in 1252 led to the fact that the Count was taken prisoner. He had to cede two castles to the archbishop - Virgen and Oberdrauburg. But the Archbishop handed over the Virgen Castle to the heirs of Count Albert as a fief. That is, the descendants of the Count of Tyrol became vassals of the archbishops of Salzburg. This situation persisted until the 18th century.

For some time the castle was in charge of the imperial house. Then the court of the city of Virgen was located here. In 1703, the state of the castle deteriorated so much that its inhabitants had moved to the city mansion. Currently, the castle is not guarded by anyone. It can be viewed at any time.

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Topic: Ruins of the castle of Rabenstein (Burgruine Rabenstein) description and photos - Austria: Tyrol.