Ovar Castle

The first documented mention of the place was found in 1244 in a deed of gift from the Hungarian King Bela IV. The history of the village is closely linked to that of the castle. When it was built is not known. However, the name "Ovar" (old castle) mentioned in the document suggests a very old age of the complex. Probably a wooden-earth rampart had already been erected in the Late Bronze Age. Furthermore, it is assumed that a tower already stood there in Roman times. In the 10th and 11th centuries, another wooden-earth wall was built as an enclosure, within which there was already a considerable settlement. Judging from vessel remains found there, the high and retreat castle was only built in the Middle Ages.

In 1244, the Counts of Chem, who later called themselves "Ovari", received the castle as a gift. The castle was probably devastated by the Mongols in 1241, but then rebuilt by the Chem. Since the lords of the castle became involved in warlike conflicts, the castle was destroyed before 1489. In 1461, Andreas Baumkircher acquired the castle, which he merged with Schlaining. He must have neglected the property, because in 1489 there is mention of a destroyed castle "Ovar". As a result of the devastation of the Turkish campaign of 1532, the place and the castle must have been very dilapidated. In 1544, the place passed into the possession of the Batthyány. In 1544, the Counts Batthyány became the sole lords of the castle. The German name "Burgh" only appears in the 16th century. Today, only some foundation remains and the artificial terrain forms bear witness to the generosity and military strength of the fortifications.