Schloss Burgschleinitz, Medieval castle in Burgschleinitz-Kühnring, Austria
Schloss Burgschleinitz is a castle in the Lower Austrian village of Burgschleinitz-Kühnring, made up of three two-story wings arranged around a narrow rectangular courtyard. A moat surrounds the whole complex, and a gate tower with a forecourt marks the entrance.
The complex dates back to the Middle Ages and was reshaped over the centuries by several noble families who each left their mark on the building. Damage from Hussite raids in the 15th century and later from Bohemian forces during the Thirty Years War led to major rebuilding work.
The bridge leading to the main gate carries an 18th-century statue of Saint John Nepomuk, a common sight at water crossings in this part of Austria. He is venerated as the patron saint of bridges, which explains why his figure was placed at this exact spot.
The complex sits in the center of the village and is easy to spot since the moat sets it apart from the surroundings. A visit works best in daylight, when the exterior and the bridge are easy to take in.
The moat around the complex is still intact, even though the original drawbridge was replaced long ago by a permanent structure. This means the water barrier has kept its original shape to this day, even if it no longer serves any defensive purpose.
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