Spangstein Castle

Spangstein Castle was probably built around the mid-13th century by Erchenger von Spangstein, a vassal of the Pettau family, who was first mentioned in a document in 1255. The Spangstein family also took over the dominion of Schwanberg in 1501. In the 16th century, during the religious conflicts, the Habsburgs under Archduke Charles of Inner Austria reclaimed the dominion of Schwanberg and sold it to the Galler family in 1576. The Gallers were also considered Protestants, which led to repeated conflicts with the Catholic ruling house. An earthquake in 1602 caused damage in the region. The exact reasons for the final decay of Spangstein Castle are not fully documented. Georg von Spangstein, the last representative of the lineage, died in Nuremberg in 1651.