Eggenberg Castle
3 km from the city of Graz is the magnificent Eggenberg Palace and Park Ensemble. Through the park, which is called the Planet Garden, a wide road leads to the castle, surrounded by majestic Catalps and tulip trees. Peacock is walking near the walls of the castle, now and then spreading their colorful tails with a fan. The castle seemed to have left the fabulous pages. It has almost no electricity, and in the evenings it is illuminated by candles. Heat is maintained with the help of stoves.
Construction history
Back in the 15th century, the first – late Gothic chapel was built. In 1625, Advisor to Ferdinand II and his favorite, Prince Hans Ulrich von Eggenberg, began to build a castle in Buddhist traditions based on the harmony of the Universe.
At that time, the most popular architectural styles were Rococo and Baroque. But in the architecture of Eggenberg Castle there is neither the splendor nor the fancifulness inherent in the Renaissance. The Renaissance building was designed by friend and architect D. P. de Pomis. When working on the project, he took into account the prince's fascination with astronomy.
As a result, the « calendar » appeared, as an attempt to understand the passage of time: four side towers symbolize four seasons or four elements; the number of halls is equal to the number of weeks in the year – 52; the number of rooms on each floor – 31; 12 gates lead to the park; in the castle 24 office rooms – in the amount of 24 hours per day; windows, respectively, 365. The castle is called the cosmogonic model of the Universe of the XVII century, the allegory of the Universe and the model of architectural harmony.
The construction of the castle was completed in 1635, when the customer had already died. In 1666, the prince's grandson ordered Weissenkircher 600 paintings. They can be admired nowadays. After the death of the last of the Eggenbergs, the residence inherited passed to the Herberstein family. In the XVIII century, the interior of the palace was changed to the Rococo style. The park was brought into line with the English style. In 1939, Eggenberg Castle passed to the government of the lands of Styria. The interior of the palace, stucco, furniture, crystal, interior items and paintings are well preserved to this day.
Eggenberg Castle Interior
Most of the castle halls have an authentic look. In one of them, classical music concerts are often held. Several museums are organized within the walls of the Eggenberg castle, one of which presents an exposition of ancient painting. The Planet Hall presents paintings and frescoes with cosmic symbols dating back to 1678.
Of greatest value is the Streveg bronze chariot of the 7th century BC. e. with the image of a sacrifice scene. The wagon was found in 1851 in the burial of the prince. Bronze jewelry, amphora and iron weapons were also discovered there. The castle presents a magnificent collection of coins, numbering more than 70 thousand exhibits. The castle was listed in UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010. Eggenberg Castle is minted on a silver coin of 10 euros, released in 2002 with a circulation of 200,000 pieces.
