Rabenstein Castle

The origins of Rabenstein Castle date back to the 12th century. It was first documented around 1182/1183 in connection with Rudolf von Virgen. Initially owned by the County of Görz, it later became the allodial property of Count Albert of Tyrol. A conflict with the Archbishop of Salzburg led to Albert's capture in 1252 and the cession of the castle to Salzburg, confirmed by the Peace Treaty of Lieserhofen. However, Salzburg continued to grant the castle as a fief to Albert's heirs. Until the 15th century, the complex was known as Virgen Castle before the current name Rabenstein became established. After the bankruptcy of the House of Wolkenstein in 1653, the dominion of Lienz with Virgen fell to the Haller Damenstift. The castle served as the seat of the administrator and the court of Virgen until 1703, when the administrator moved to a village house, leaving the castle to gradual decay. A fire and the collapse of large parts of the keep in 1963 led to extensive preservation measures that conserved its current state.

The Rabenstein Castle Ruin is located in the municipality of Virgen in the Lienz district, Tyrol, Austria. It stands at an elevation of approximately 1401 m above sea level on a forested hill north of the Mellitz fraction.

Today, the Rabenstein Castle Ruin is accessible to visitors and can be explored. Extensive preservation efforts have helped maintain the remains of the once mighty complex.

• Weißenstein Castle (Schloss), approx. 5.5 km away
• Kienburg Castle Ruin (Burg), approx. 14.3 km away
• Weiherburg Castle (Schloss), approx. 21.7 km away
• Anras Castle (Schloss), approx. 27.2 km away