Etzelsdorf Castle, Renaissance château in Pichl bei Wels, Austria.
Etzelsdorf is a Renaissance castle at the western edge of Pichl bei Wels, featuring two stories with a wide hipped roof. The main building is flanked by two separate structures that together form a horseshoe-shaped courtyard.
The castle was first documented in the 1380s and served as a stable noble residence for centuries. It suffered heavy damage during the 1626 Peasants' War but underwent major reconstruction in the late 1600s to restore its function and appearance.
The castle was home to noble families across generations, each leaving their mark on the residence. Today the structure reflects a remarkable gift that shows the deep bond between the last aristocratic owner and her household staff.
The castle sits on the western side of Pichl bei Wels and is visible from outside, though interior access is not regularly available. Visitors can view the exterior architecture and courtyard layout, and it makes sense to combine a visit with nearby historical sites in the area.
From 1944 to 1946 the castle housed a children's home, and a memorial plaque on the building preserves the memory of 13 infants who died there. This plaque stands as a quiet reminder of a difficult chapter in the location's recent past.
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