Grafenegg Castle

The origins of Grafenegg date back to 1294, when a small settlement called Espersdorf with a mill and a farmstead was mentioned at this location. After 1435, the farmstead was fortified with a curtain wall and a moat. In the late 15th century, the estate came into the possession of Ulrich von Grafeneck, its namesake, and later Emperor Frederick III. Around 1500, Johann I, Count Hardegg, had the property rebuilt, creating the slender tower on the east side with its Renaissance portal. Between 1622 and 1633, Grafenegg was expanded into a fortified castle with four corner bastions under Johann Baptist Verda von Verdenberg. Despite these fortifications, it was captured by Swedish troops in 1645.