Vellenberg Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Götzens, Austria
Vellenberg Castle is a fortress ruin in Götzens situated at an elevation of 804 meters (2,638 feet). Remains of the main stronghold and outer defensive works are still visible on the hilltop location.
First documented in 1163 under the Vellenberg family, the fortress served as a seat of power for centuries. Two major earthquakes in the 17th century caused significant damage and left the structure as it stands today.
The site took its name from the Vellenberg family who ruled from here and shaped the region's power structure. The ruins reveal how central this fortress was to local authority and daily life in the valley.
The ruins sit on a hillside and can be reached on foot via a walking path. Sturdy footwear is advisable since the terrain is uneven and trails are not paved throughout.
The fortress also functioned as a prison for high-ranking captives including Oswald von Wolkenstein, a noted poet and knight. This role shows the site held importance beyond being simply a family residence.
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