Gallenstein Castle

King Rudolf I granted Abbot Heinrich II of Admont permission to build Gallenstein Castle in 1278, which was completed by 1285.

Since the 13th century, a regional court was associated with the castle. In 1285, During Grießer, a relative of Abbot Heinrich II, was appointed as administrator. Subsequently, the abbey continued to appoint burgraves at Gallenstein. One of them was Friedrich von Saurau. In 1467, large parts of the castle burned down, but Abbot Johann III had it quickly restored with the help of his peasants' corvée labor. In order to raise the Turkish tax, the Gallenstein Abbey was pledged to Georg Sebastian von Stainach in the 16th century. He and his successors placed great importance on maintaining the defensive structures.

Between 1621 and 1626, the complex was completely rebuilt by the master builders Benedetto and Bartolomeo de la Torre. At that time, new casemates were built, the battlements were renewed or raised, and arcades were added in the castle courtyard. In 1683, the Grey Tower was severely damaged by lightning. In 1727, it completely burned out during a thunderstorm. Due to poor accessibility and unsecured water supply, the administration of the lordship was moved to the town of St. Gallen in 1831. The castle was sold to the nail smith Josef Langensteiner. He had all the iron removed and used the walls as a quarry. The castle ruin later returned to Admont Abbey. The castle ruin has been renovated and partially rebuilt by a local castle association since 1968.