Burg Wiener Neustadt, Renaissance castle in Wiener Neustadt, Austria
Burg Wiener Neustadt is a fortress complex in Wiener Neustadt built on wooden piles over former marshland, defended by four thick corner towers and high outer walls throughout its perimeter. The compound includes a cathedral with Gothic design and holds the burial site of one of the medieval world's most powerful rulers.
The fortress was built in 1193 using ransom money from the capture of Richard the Lionheart during the Third Crusade. This funding allowed the construction of a major defensive stronghold that would protect the region for centuries.
St. George's Cathedral within the fortress displays Gothic details that catch visitors' eyes as they walk through the interior. The space functions as a sacred gathering place for religious ceremonies and remains central to the site's spiritual identity today.
The site is home to a military academy that actively uses the fortress for officer training and education programs. Visitors should expect limited accessibility in some areas, as the ongoing military operations may restrict access to certain sections.
The castle walls display the inscription AEIOU, placed by Emperor Frederick III as his personal motto. These mysterious letters remain visible on the medieval structure and offer visitors a tangible connection to one ruler's private beliefs.
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