Amthof Castle

The Amthof is a former small castle that emerged from a 13th-century Meierhof (manor farm) of the Gurk dominion. The three-story building with a hip roof has meter-thick rubble stone walls on the ground floor, which originate from a medieval fortified building. The year 1521 carved above the door refers to a renovation.

16th Century

In the 16th century, the Amthof was the seat of the Gurk administrative office, which managed the extensive Gurk possessions in the Görtschitztal. The building was then called "Gurker Amthof".

17th Century

In 1630, the Amthof was acquired by the Counts of Thurn-Valsassina, who owned it until 1956. During this time, the Amthof served as the administrative center for their local estates.

20th Century

After 1956, the Amthof was used for various purposes, including as a school and a residential building. In the 1980s, the building was extensively renovated and converted into a cultural and event center.

The Amthof is a three-story building with a hip roof. The ground floor has meter-thick rubble stone walls, which indicate its medieval origins. The upper floors are characterized by their Renaissance-era design elements.

Exterior

The facade of the Amthof is plastered and painted in a light color. The windows are rectangular and framed with simple stone surrounds. Above the main entrance, the year 1521 is carved, commemorating a significant renovation.

Interior

The interior of the Amthof features several historic rooms, including a large hall on the first floor that is now used for events. The ceilings are partly vaulted, and some rooms retain their original wooden beams.

Today, the Amthof serves as a cultural and event center. It hosts concerts, exhibitions, theater performances, and other cultural events. The building also houses a restaurant and a small museum that showcases the history of the Amthof and the region.