Burgruine Gallenstein, Medieval castle ruins in Sankt Gallen, Austria.
Burgruine Gallenstein is a medieval castle ruin in Sankt Gallen, Austria, situated at 631 meters above sea level in the Styrian landscape. The structure preserves three Gothic towers, including a large residential tower with thick walls and window openings from different periods.
The castle was built in 1278 with permission from Rudolf of Habsburg and served Admont Abbey as a refuge and administrative base until 1832. During this period, the structure remained closely tied to the monastery's power and territorial interests.
The inner courtyard becomes a summer gathering place where concerts, music performances, and readings bring visitors together for cultural events. It shows how ruins can still serve as a space where people share experiences and art.
The site is open throughout the year and can be reached by a modern road with a tunnel for vehicles. Being set on elevated terrain means visitors will need to walk the final stretch to reach the ruins.
In 1832, the copper roof was removed to avoid taxes, which caused the structure to deteriorate rapidly without proper protection. This deliberate stripping of a key element led to restoration work by the local heritage society decades later.
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