Taggenbrunn Castle
Taggenbrunn Castle is a medieval fortress located in Sankt Georgen am Längsee, in the state of Carinthia, Austria. Built in the 12th century on the remains of a Celtic-Roman settlement, it was commissioned by the Archbishopric of Salzburg and was first mentioned in documents in 1142.
History
Over the centuries, the castle played a significant role in the region. In 1308, Otto von Liechtenstein-Murau was appointed governor of Carinthia and established his residence in Taggenbrunn, from where he governed the area. The castle was destroyed and rebuilt several times, becoming one of the most modern fortresses in Carinthia around the year 1500. By the late 17th century, it was abandoned and described as a ruin for the first time in 1796.
Renovation and Current Use
In 2011, entrepreneur Alfred Riedl acquired the castle and began extensive restoration work. Since 2019, Taggenbrunn Castle has hosted the Taggenbrunner Festspiele, a festival featuring classical music, jazz, and opera. The castle also includes a restaurant, a wine bar, and a permanent art exhibition.
Culture and Art
Austrian artist André Heller contributed a multimedia exhibition titled Zeiträume (“Time Spaces”), which addresses ecological themes and climate change. On the castle grounds stands the sculpture Göttin der Zeit (“Goddess of Time”), a 12-meter-tall figure symbolizing the connection between art and nature.
Wine Tourism
The castle is surrounded by Weingut Taggenbrunn, the largest vineyard in Carinthia, covering approximately 45 hectares. The vineyard produces high-quality wines, benefiting from slate-rich soils and favorable sunlight exposure.
Today, Taggenbrunn Castle combines history, culture, and winemaking, offering visitors a unique experience in a beautifully restored historical setting.
WikipediaWebsite:https://www.taggenbrunn.at/
