Strechau Castle

The origins of Strechau Castle date back to the second half of the 11th century, when a first defensive structure, likely a single tower, was built on the castle hill. From around 1120, it served as the seat of the castellans of Strechau. In the early 13th century, the brothers Rudolf and Konrad von Trenstein took over the castle as a fief from the Archbishop of Salzburg. At this time, an upper and a lower castle already existed. In 1282, Strechau fell to Duke Albrecht I and was subsequently administered by the sovereign, including by the Abbot of Admont. Frequent changes of ownership characterized the following centuries. In 1528, Hanns Hofmann von Grünbühel acquired the castle from the von Mosheim family. The Hofmanns promoted the Protestant faith in the region and had the castle rebuilt, adding a Renaissance arcaded courtyard and Mannerist ceiling paintings. During the Counter-Reformation, the last Hofmann owner, Anna Potentiana Jörger, was forced to sell the castle to Admont Abbey. Under the abbey, extensive additions were made, including a large granary, stables, and Baroque elements such as ceiling paintings and stucco work.