Klement Castle

The first documented mention of a castle in Klement dates back to the 13th century. At that time, it was a medieval fortress, probably built by the local nobility to protect their lands. Over the centuries, the castle changed hands several times and was gradually expanded and fortified.

In the mid-16th century, under the ownership of the influential von Klement family, the castle underwent a significant transformation. It was converted into a magnificent Renaissance residence, reflecting the wealth and status of its owners. This period saw the construction of the main four-winged building that largely defines the castle's appearance today.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, further modifications were made, including the addition of the current hip roof. The castle survived various wars and political upheavals, though not without damage. In the 20th century, it served different purposes, including a short period as a military hospital during World War II.

After the war, the castle fell into disrepair for several decades. Extensive renovation work began in the late 20th century, aiming to restore the building to its former glory. Today, the castle is a cultural monument and houses a museum that showcases its rich history.

The castle in the southwest of Klement is a longitudinally rectangular, two-story, four-winged building from the mid-16th century, with a hip roof from the 18th/19th century. On the north side, the third story is preserved as an attic zone with circular lucarnes and a courtyard-side lean-to roof, partly resting on a console cornice. On the southern main facade, a rusticated round-arched central portal is preserved as the last of formerly three gates. The upper floor is equipped with rectangular Renaissance window frames with inserted, coupled, and rosette-decorated round arch profiles, as well as a sgraffito plaster articulation with ashlar and balusters. Otherwise, the building has grooved sill windows. In the passage, a barrel vault with lunettes and round-arched niches can be seen. The ground floor is vaulted with groin vaults and barrel vaults with lunettes. On the upper floor, there is a room with a star vault.

The interior of the castle reflects the different construction phases and styles. The ground floor, with its robust cross and barrel vaults, still shows elements of the earlier, more defensive structure. These rooms were likely used for storage, kitchens, and servants' quarters.

The upper floor, in contrast, presents a more refined and decorative character, typical of a Renaissance residence. The star-vaulted room is a particularly impressive example of the architectural artistry of the time. Many rooms feature elaborate stucco work, frescoes, and wooden paneling, which have been carefully restored.

Notable Features

• The grand hall with its impressive ceiling height and large windows.
• The chapel, adorned with religious frescoes from the Baroque period.
• The former library, which still houses a collection of historic books.
• The inner courtyard, a tranquil oasis surrounded by the four wings of the castle.