Freizell Castle

Freizell Castle, also known as Freizeller Schlössel, Zellerschlössl, or Zell unter Marsbach, refers to a noble seat on the left bank of the Danube, not far from the Schlögener Schlinge (municipality of Hofkirchen im Mühlkreis, Freizell area, Rohrbach district, Mühlviertel Upper Austria). It is located on a hill, below the neighboring Marsbach Castle.

The history of the castle dates back to the late Middle Ages. Freizell is first mentioned in documents in 1443. Freizell was under Passau feudal rule. Previously owned by Ulrich von Starhemberg, it was subsequently owned by the Lords of Marsbach, and ownership changed several times in the following centuries.

In the 16th century, Freizell belonged to the fief of the Counts of Neuhaus, and in the 17th century, to the fief of the Tattenbach family. Wilhelm von Tattenbach is mentioned in documents in 1450. Viktoria von Tattenbach was associated with the castle in 1727. Years later, Herr von Pessler resided in Freizell. In 1870, Herr Königseder was known as the last owner. In the 19th century, the small castle was already considered dilapidated. Freizell was in a ruinous state.

During the war years, the ruin served as a hiding place for valuables of the local population. Furthermore, Freizell was no longer assigned any significance. In the 1960s, Freizell came under new ownership. The present is dedicated to the preservation and reconstruction of the complex.

In 1659, the castle was the scene of a mysterious robbery and murder of Johann Christoph Freiherr von Tattenbach.