Orth Castle

The origins of Orth Castle date back to the 13th century, when it was built by the Lengenbachers. The complex was first documented in 1201. In the 15th century, the castle was the scene of conflicts between Emperor Frederick III and the Lower Austrian estates, who regarded Ladislaus Postumus as their rightful sovereign. In 1452, the castle was captured by an army of the estates led by Ulrich von Eyczing. After Ladislaus' death in 1457, turmoil ensued when an imperial army besieged the castle in 1460, held by Gamareth Fronauer, who claimed it as his inheritance. Fronauer escaped through underground passages, after which the castle was taken without a fight. In 1529, the castle was destroyed during the First Siege of Vienna by the Ottomans and subsequently rebuilt in Renaissance style by Niklas Graf Salm the Elder. In the 17th century, it served as a base for court hunts and was expanded in Baroque style between 1679 and 1680. The Habsburgs acquired the castle in 1824 and incorporated it into their private and family fund. Crown Prince Rudolf used it as a hunting lodge and had it redecorated in the late historicist style around 1873.