Burg Rastenberg, Romanesque hilltop castle in Rastenfeld, Austria
Burg Rastenberg is a castle in Rastenfeld that stands on a narrow granite outcrop, dominated by its five-sided keep rising approximately 27 meters high. The structure features two small inner courtyards and a forecourt, displaying the typical layout of a medieval fortress.
The castle was built starting in 1193 as part of a defensive line along the Kamp River, connecting with nearby fortifications at Ottenstein and Lichtenfels. Over centuries it underwent various modifications while maintaining its core medieval structure.
The castle displays Romanesque architectural features visible in its massive walls and five-sided keep design. These building techniques have shaped its appearance for centuries and make it a significant example of this style in the region.
The castle remains in private ownership by the Thurn-Valsassina family and is not open to visitors, but the baroque forecourt can be used for events or as a seminar venue. Visitors can view the exterior and the surrounding landscape from nearby walking trails.
The eastern section contains a late baroque manor house now functioning as office and guest space for the seminar center Die Lichtung, transforming part of the castle into a modern venue. This adaptation shows how historical fortifications serve contemporary purposes today.
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