Purkersdorf Castle

As early as the beginning of the 11th century, a fortified house is said to have been erected at this site. The first documented mention as “castrum Purchartsdorf” occurred in 1255, when it was owned by Heinrich von Kreuzenstein. He had a moated castle built with robust walls and loopholes to protect the land. A deep moat and a drawbridge secured the complex, which had defensive structures and a keep on the east side, while round towers protected the western castle wall. A part of the castle passed to the Teutonic Order in 1284. In the early 14th century, Purkersdorf came into the possession of Reinprecht I von Wallsee through marriage, who sold the lordship to the Habsburgs in 1333. Between 1500 and 1788, the “Kayserliche Waldambt” was located here.