Wels Castle

The first mention of Wels Castle dates back to 776, when it was referred to as “Castrum Uueles” in connection with the settlement of Wels. Originally built as a wooden structure with palisades, its conversion into a stone fortress only occurred in the 12th or 13th century. At the end of the 12th century, the castle was pledged to Leopold VI, Duke of Austria from the House of Babenberg, who then acquired it in 1222. After the extinction of the Babenbergs, ownership passed to the Habsburgs. Under Emperor Maximilian I, who died here on January 12, 1519, the castle was redesigned in the late Gothic style between 1508 and 1514.