Gjaidhof Castle

The origins of Gjaidhof Castle date back to the 13th century, when it was built shortly after 1222 by Leopold VI as a fortified farm with a simple tower. It served as a hunting lodge and for supervising the Kaiserwald forest and the road to Graz. A chapel added around 1222 later developed into the Dobl parish church. Between 1240 and 1242, Frederick II used the estate for hunting excursions. After his death, ownership passed to his niece Gertrud, whose daughter Agnes and husband Ulrich Count of Heunburg sold it to King Rudolf I in 1279. During the Styrian noble uprising in 1292, the property was devastated, but rebuilt after the rebellion was suppressed. In the 14th century, the name “Gjaidhof” became established, and the estate was managed by ducal master huntsmen of the Habsburgs. In 1469, it was plundered during the Baumkircher Feud, but again restored and first referred to as a castle in 1480. Emperor Frederick III had fish ponds laid out. After a Turkish invasion in 1532, renovation was necessary. King Ferdinand I resided here in 1536.