Schloss Vestenthal, Medieval castle in Haidershofen, Austria
Schloss Vestenthal is a medieval castle with a square floor plan and four round corner towers topped by steep pitched roofs and surrounded by water. The building sits on a small island and forms a classic water castle layout with evenly spaced towers around its perimeter.
The castle was first recorded in 1254 when Otto von Steyr gave his estate to Gleink Monastery, establishing its documented history. This donation made it monastic property and shaped its development for centuries to come.
The castle shows how Austrian nobility combined defensive features with comfortable living spaces over the centuries. Visitors can see how this practical mix shaped the building's layout and appearance today.
The castle sits about one kilometer southwest of Haidershofen village center near federal highway 42 and is easy to reach. The location also provides proximity to other religious buildings in the area for those interested in exploring nearby sites.
The castle underwent major restoration in 1994, with its original moat refilled to restore the classic water castle configuration. This work returned the structure to its original appearance surrounded completely by water.
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