Burg Hollenburg

Burg Hollenburg sits on a steep rock hill above the Drau River and combines different architectural styles from Renaissance to Gothic. The castle complex has an open courtyard, an eastern chapel, and terraces that look out over the river valley.

The castle was founded in the 12th century and the Hollenburg family managed it from its first mention in 1142. An earthquake in 1348 damaged the buildings severely, which led to major reconstruction work.

The chapel displays Gothic frescoes and the courtyard holds Roman stone reliefs that show the connections between medieval and ancient times in this region. These artworks tell the story of different cultures that have shaped this place.

The castle is partially open to the public, especially the courtyard and terrace with views of the Karawanken mountains. The best time to visit is in good weather, when the landscape is clearest and summer art shows take place.

The castle uses natural caves within the rock formation that originally served as escape routes and defensive positions during the Middle Ages. These underground spaces were a key part of the castle's defense and show clever adaptation to the surrounding terrain.