Schloss Polheim Wels, Renaissance castle in Wels, Austria.
Schloss Polheim Wels is a Renaissance castle at the northwestern corner of the city fortification, featuring Gothic windows, a tower, and a courtyard. The building brings together architectural elements from multiple periods into a single structure with distinct layers.
The castle was first documented in 1237 and belonged to the noble Polheimer family from Pollham near Grieskirchen. This family settled in Wels around 1200 and held substantial properties in the region.
The chapel dates from 1519 and displays late Gothic windows that reflect the religious architecture of that era. Visitors can still see these details today and get a sense of the spiritual importance the place held in medieval times.
The building now houses the Upper Austrian Music School with 24 rooms spread across multiple floors and modern educational facilities. Visitors should be aware that the space is actively used for teaching purposes, so access times may vary.
Until 1875 the castle was surrounded by a moat and drawbridge, which were then filled in to make way for city expansion. This transformation happened as the urban area grew and the building needed to be integrated into the surrounding city.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
