Rosenegg Castle

Rosenegg Castle, also known as Schloss Rosenegg, Balme Hohlenegg or Schloss Rosenberg, is a medieval castle complex southeast of Bürs in the Bludenz district of Vorarlberg. From the 13th to the 15th century, it was the seat of the Lordship of Rosenegg. The castle is located on the easternmost spur of the Schass.

Rosenegg Castle was built in the mid-13th century by the Counts of Werdenberg-
Heiligenberg. The lordship was initially part of the County of Sonnenberg.

During the Appenzell War in 1405, the castle was destroyed by the Walgauers, who were allied with the Appenzellers. It was presumably rebuilt and, after passing to Austria in 1418/1420, was granted as an Austrian fief. In 1474, the Lordship of Rosenegg was united with the Lordship of Bludenz, and the castle fell into disrepair before 1600.

Between 1898 and 1900, the keep was rebuilt in Neo-Gothic style.
In 1939, a new renovation and expansion took place: the Neo-Gothic elements were removed, and the original four floors were turned into five. The tent roof was also erected at that time. The tall rectangular windows were redesigned or broken through in 1939, replacing older light slits that had already been enlarged in 1898. In addition, a single-story residential building was built adjoining the keep at that time.

Today, there are different interpretations of historical records, and opinions are fundamentally divided as to whether these were two independent complexes or always referred to the same castle complex.