Petersberg Castle
Petersberg Castle is a ruined fortress located on a hill above the town of Friesach, in the state of Carinthia, Austria. It was built around 1076 by order of Archbishop Gebhard of Salzburg during the Investiture Controversy, with the aim of blocking King Henry IV's passage through the Alps.
Over the centuries, the fortress played a strategic role in various medieval conflicts and served as a secondary residence for the Archbishops of Salzburg.
In the 12th century, Archbishop Konrad von Abensberg significantly expanded the fortress, including the construction of the keep (bergfried) and the chapel of Saint Rupert. Throughout its history, Petersberg Castle witnessed notable events, such as the stay of King Conrad III after the Second Crusade in 1149 and the passage of King Richard the Lionheart in 1192 on his way back to England. It was also occupied by Hungarian troops between 1479 and 1490.
Wikipedia
In 1495, Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach modernized the fortress and the city walls, giving them their current appearance.
A fire in 1673 destroyed much of the structure, which was later abandoned and fell into ruin. Today, the restored keep houses the Friesach Municipal Museum, and other parts of the fortress, such as the former captain’s residence, are used as a restaurant. Petersberg Castle is an important testament to the region’s medieval past and a notable tourist attraction in Carinthia.
WikipediaWebsite:https://friesach.gv.at/buergerservice/tourismus
