Burgruine Peggau, Medieval castle ruins on a steep cliff in Peggau, Austria
Burgruine Peggau is a medieval fortress featuring a rectangular keep with preserved cross vaults and a strong ring wall overlooking the Mur Valley outlet. The ruins sit high on a steep cliff, with visible architectural elements including the inner chapel still standing within the fortified walls.
The castle was founded in the 12th century by the Lords of Peggau as a stronghold overlooking the Mur Valley. It was destroyed in 1270 during a revolt against King Ottokar II, after which it fell into decay and has remained as ruins ever since.
The chapel inside the castle honors Saint Lucia and shows how prayer and faith were part of daily life at the fortress. The small worship space reminds visitors that such fortifications were more than just military buildings; they were also places where people practiced their beliefs.
The ruins can be reached via Mittereggstraße, with a parking area near the castle entrance making access straightforward. The steep cliff location requires good footwear and some physical effort, but the approach is manageable for most visitors.
A wooden frame structure has been built in the castle courtyard as part of ongoing restoration work, including repairs to the original cobblestone pavement. These visible construction efforts show how the site is being carefully maintained to preserve its historical remains.
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