Schloss Pitten, Medieval castle in Pitten, Austria.
Schloss Pitten is a castle in Lower Austria situated on a hilltop at about 443 meters elevation, combining medieval stone walls with residential sections from the 19th century. The complex features a notable well from the early 17th century that descends approximately 140 meters into the bedrock.
The fortress was first documented in 1094 and served for centuries as a border defense for the region. In 1482, Hungarian King Matthias Corvinus destroyed the complex after a four-year siege.
The castle remains known in the region as home to a gilded chalice from the 15th century that commemorates important defensive events. Visitors can still see traces of this past today and understand how significant this location was to local memory.
The castle sits on a hillside and is easily recognized from multiple angles, making it simple for visitors to understand its structure and position. Access to the site requires some fitness due to the slope, but rewards visitors with views across the landscape.
During the lengthy siege, the castle steward Wolfgang Teufel intentionally sent small rations of provisions to the Hungarian king to make him believe supplies were plentiful. This trick managed to deceive the besiegers for months and prolong the defense.
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