Nechelheim Castle

Nechelheim is one of the oldest noble residences in Styria. First mentioned in a document in 1188 as "Neche's Home". Franz Xaver Freiherr von Fraydenegg-Monzello had the fortifications converted into a castle in 1789. The keep, depicted on a Vischer engraving from 1681, was almost completely removed during the 1789 renovation. Its lower part is built into the building and is no longer visible from the outside today. The southern wall with its two round two-story defensive towers, also visible on the engraving, is no longer preserved today. Only traces of the former moats are still visible in the park. The building is essentially a three-story Baroque building with a rectangular floor plan. Particularly striking are the two round corner towers with their high spires, erected on the narrow gable front of the south facade. A clock is built into the round gable between them. The house chapel is located on the second floor of the southwest tower. It is decorated with murals and a ceiling painting depicting St. Francis Xavier. According to the signature, it was created in 1789 by Joseph Michael Gebler. The year 1648 is embossed on the bell of the chapel tower. Also particularly noteworthy is the vaulted vestibule on the ground floor, decorated with the coats of arms of the former owners, as well as with paintings and historical weapons. West of the castle building stands a granary built in the 16th century, which was later converted into an outbuilding.