Altes Schloß, Renaissance castle and museum in Kittsee, Austria
Altes Schloss Kittsee is a Renaissance castle featuring three two-story wings arranged symmetrically around a central courtyard with an octagonal tower at its center. The building now hosts events and exhibitions and sits within an English-style landscape garden bordered by decorative iron gates.
The original fortress was first documented in 1264 as part of a royal family event but was destroyed just six years later. It was rebuilt during the 14th century and gradually transformed into the Renaissance structure visible today.
The castle housed the Austrian Museum of Ethnography from 1970 to the early 2000s, displaying everyday objects and crafts from the region. Its rooms told stories of local traditions, clothing, and customs through collected items.
The castle is easily accessible on foot and offers garden grounds to explore. It is worth checking ahead for event and exhibition schedules, as these activities may affect visitor access and experience.
Prince Ladislaus Batthyány-Strattmann, who owned the castle from 1897, converted it into a hospital where he treated patients free of charge. This medical mission was unusual for his era and shaped the building's purpose for several decades.
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