Deutschkreutz Castle

Deutschkreutz Castle is located in central Burgenland, about five kilometers from the Hungarian border crossing Sopron. It is a magnificent Renaissance castle consisting of a mighty four-winged building with two-story arcades and corner towers. There are stucco works, the castle chapel with old frescoes, furniture and

A medieval castle in Deutschkreutz was first mentioned in 1492. Until 1535, it was owned by the Kanizsay family. Through marriage, it came into the possession of the Nádasdy family. The castle was converted into a castle in the Italian Renaissance style by Thomas III. Nádasdy in 1560. The first documented mention dates back to 1597.

The castle in its current form was built in 1625 by Paul Nádasdy, who also had the chapel built in 1632.

Franz III. Nádasdy was sentenced to death and executed for a conspiracy against Emperor Leopold I. The estates fell to the Emperor, who sold them to the executed man's brother-in-law, Count Paul Esterházy, in 1676.

The later Princes Esterházy did not often stay at Deutschkreutz Castle, so it gradually lost its importance. It became the center of a huge agricultural estate and remained so until the Second World War.

From 1945 to 1955, the castle was administered by the Soviets and used as a barracks. A large part of the interior was severely damaged and the chapel was completely destroyed.

In 1957, the municipality of Deutschkreutz was able to acquire the castle.

Since 1966, it has been in the private possession of the artist Anton Lehmden, who has been restoring the building piece by piece ever since.