Schlaining Castle, Medieval castle and peace museum in Stadtschlaining, Austria
Schlaining Castle is a medieval fortress standing on a hilltop in Burgenland. The stone walls and buildings come from different time periods, showing how the structure grew and changed over centuries.
The castle was founded as a fortress in the mid-13th century and first appears in documents in 1271. A knight named Andreas Baumkircher acquired it in the 15th century and strengthened it as a major regional stronghold.
The castle now hosts a peace research center that explores how people can resolve conflicts without violence. Visitors encounter exhibitions showing approaches to understanding and bridging disagreements across different cultures and backgrounds.
The castle is easy to reach on foot or by car and offers parking on the grounds. Wear sturdy shoes as the paths on the hillside are uneven and somewhat steep in places.
The castle hosts one of Europe's few international peace research centers that collaborates with universities worldwide. Many visitors overlook its role as a decades-long hub for dialogue and conflict resolution efforts across multiple continents.
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