Abbey
CastleWernberg
Wernberg Castle
Wernberg Castle, an impressive Renaissance complex, is perched on a rock above a loop of the Drau river east of Villach in Carinthia. Throughout its history, it frequently changed hands, including the influential Khevenhüller family and Ossiach Abbey. Today, it serves as a monastery and is a place of contemplation and activity for the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood.
History+
The origins of Wernberg date back to 1227, when Duke Bernhard of Spanheim had an initial castle built to weaken Bamberg's trade interests in Villach. Later, the complex came into Habsburg possession and was mortgaged to various castle keepers. In 1519, the Khevenhüller family acquired the castle through inheritance. Georg von Khevenhüller, governor of Carinthia, had it transformed into his summer residence. After the Counter-Reformation, his successor Paul Khevenhüller had to emigrate as a Protestant and sold the castle to Count Wagensperg in 1630. From 1672, Wernberg was owned by Ossiach Abbey, whose convent moved there. After the dissolution of the abbey in 1783, 150 years of frequent changes of ownership followed until the castle was acquired by the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood in 1935.
Location+
Wernberg Castle is located in the municipality of Wernberg in the Villach Land district of Carinthia, Austria. It is situated at an elevation of approximately 560 meters above sea level.
On site+
Today, Wernberg Castle houses an active monastic community of the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood. The sisters operate a guesthouse, a kindergarten, an educational center, as well as a paraments embroidery workshop and a host bakery.
Nearby+
- Damtschach Castle (Schloss), approx. 2.9 km away
- Landskron Castle (Burg), approx. 3.5 km away
- Aichelberg Castle Ruin (Burg), approx. 3.8 km away
- Sternberg Castle Ruin (Burg), approx. 4.4 km away
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Source: Wikipedia · Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 · Image: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wernberg_Schloss_Suedansicht_19102007_31.jpg
This description draws on the facts documented in the linked Wikipedia article; Wikipedia content is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wording and editing: Mobile History.
Location: 46.6212, 13.9300