Landskron Castle
Not far from the Austrian city of Fill, lies the rocky plateau Felskogel, surrounded by forests. At the foot of the magnificent Lake Ossiacher spread. At an altitude of 135 m, like a royal crown, a mighty and majestic medieval castle-fortress Landskron crowns. From the height of Felskogel, picturesque views of the lake and the Karinthian valley open.
Since 878, the land belonged to the Althing Monastery. The monks received them as a gift from Karloman Bavarsky, who at that time was the ruler. This is mentioned in ancient documents. In 1028, Count Ozzi became the landowner. The beginning of the construction of the castle is associated with his name. At that turbulent time, the place for building the fortress was more than successful – nature itself made it impregnable.
During its existence, the castle has repeatedly changed its owners. The name « Landskron » was given in 1351. All new owners tried to modify the appearance of the residence. The reason for the constant restoration was banal fires. The history of the castle has at least 4 of them. Thunderstorms often occur on the plateau, well-aimed lightning strikes caused tremendous fiery calamities. In 1542, after another fire, Landskron Castle acquired K. Khevenhüller, making him his place of permanent stay. By 1600, the owner restored the estate. The castle, rebuilt in the Renaissance style, was chic. A high tower towered above the main 4-story building. The area around the castle was surrounded by a double gear wall with 7 towers. A well dug inside the walls, the depth of which is 150 m. The luxurious structure has become a center of entertainment for secular individuals and local nobility, who regularly gathered here for balls and endless festivities.
In 1639, the castle was bought by Dietrichstein. The fire in 1812 completely destroyed the roof. The destruction was so great that the owners left their residence. Landskron Castle was empty for a long time. In 1953, the long-suffering Landskron bought H. Maresh. He partially restored the estate, and opened a restaurant with a huge open area to attract tourists. The terrace offers magnificent views of the surrounding nature. The restaurant menu offers unique and traditional local dishes.
Regularly in the castle there is a show of feathered predators, invariably of interest to numerous tourists. It involves pegs, owls. eagles. You can see a fascinating performance only in the summer. A small zoo is arranged at the castle, the inhabitants of which are more than 25 species of birds, most of them predatory. Predators are free to fly over the castle. They are accustomed to returning to their place after their air walks.
