Burgruine Saxenegg, castle ruin
Burgruine Saxenegg is a castle ruin on a hilltop in Sankt Thomas am Blasenstein in Austria. The ruins consist of weathered stone walls, a deep defensive ditch called a halsgraben, building foundations, and a stone-carved cistern for water storage, while the highest point once held a tower about 17 meters (56 feet) tall.
The castle was first mentioned in documents in 1297 and passed through the hands of various noble families. Between 1424 and 1432, Hussite attackers damaged the fortress with cannon fire against its walls.
The name Saxenegg comes from the nearby Sachsen stream, known for centuries. Today, the ruins stand as a quiet reminder of how castles once served as homes and symbols of power in the region.
The ruins are open during daylight hours on clear days and can be reached via forest paths from the valley below. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and avoid visiting when snow is on the ground, as the paths become unsafe.
Local legend tells of a small black dog with glowing eyes that appears at midnight on Good Friday at the entrance, sitting on a treasure chest with a key in its mouth. Though the story promises adventure, no one has ever dared to take the key.
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