Liebenau Castle

The earliest mention of the area dates to the 12th century, when a vassal of Hadmar von Ennstal or Dunkelstein established a noble estate and the village of Vatersdorf. Around 1164, the estate was owned by Heinrich von Vatersdorf. After his death, it passed to the territorial princes, who subsequently enfeoffed it to various noble families, including Friedrich I. von Graben (1387) and Friedrich Egkhler (1411). In the 15th century, the estate was divided into two feudal courts, which Thomas Gybinger reunited in 1468. Following inheritance disputes and pledges, Vorau Abbey acquired the property in 1620, renamed it Liebenau, and used it as a retreat.