Schloss Stein, palace and school in Fehring, Austria
Schloss Stein is a historic castle in Fehring, Austria, featuring two stories and two distinctive towers, one octagonal and one hexagonal in shape. Its bright red exterior walls display simple windows with decorative frames, and the main building is surrounded by farm structures that form a large courtyard.
The building originated in the 12th century as a protective fortress for Fürstenfeld and was later converted into an administrative seat. In the 18th century, Christoph Graf Paar expanded it into his residence, where it remained for several centuries before becoming a school building in the 20th century.
The castle now serves as a vocational school for agriculture and food studies, where students learn both traditional and modern farming methods. This use reflects the region's deep connection to rural life and agricultural traditions.
The location is in Petzelsdorf, about 9 kilometers east of Feldbach in eastern Styria, surrounded by quiet countryside with fields and small forests. Visitors should note that the castle is mainly visible from the outside, as it functions today as a school building.
During World War Two, the castle served as a medical station for the Red Army and sustained damage during this time, highlighting its role as a site of wartime events in local history. After the war, it was carefully restored and remains today a symbol of rebuilding and continuity in the region.
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