Palmburg Castle

Construction of the Palmburg began in 1578 as a residence for Franz von Poppendorf, approved by Archduke Karl II. At that time, the property was still outside the medieval city walls in the village of Guntarn. Under Poppendorf, a domicile with corner turrets was started but not completed. Around 1590, Poppendorf's widow sold the estate to Wolfgang Schrantz, who completed and expanded it, after which it was called “Schrantzenegg”. By 1601, ownership passed to Bishop Georg Stobäus von Palmburg, who was governor of Styria from 1596 to 1609. The castle received its current name after him. His nephew, Martin von Palmburg, sold the property in 1619 to Balthasar von Thannhausen. Due to urban expansion and the construction of a new city wall, the complex soon became part of the new urban area. From 1792, the Palmburg belonged to the Counts of Saurau. Corbinian von Saurau had it extended upwards in 1732 and expanded with additional buildings. He was also responsible for the access ramp and the Baroque redesign of the garden wall. The Palmburg remained in the Saurau family's possession until 1804 and was used as a military hospital from 1796.