Schloss Illmau, Medieval water castle in Kautzen, Austria.
Schloss Illmau is a medieval water castle in Kautzen featuring a two-story three-winged main structure with a four-story tower on the southwest side. The building displays late Gothic elements especially at the gate and was built with water defenses.
The castle was first documented in 1337 under the Hauser family's control. It passed to the von Herberstein Grünne family in 1390, beginning a long period of their ownership.
The castle served purposes beyond defense, functioning as a glass factory and later as a paper mill, showing how such places adapted to economic needs over time. The building's layout still reflects these different uses from its past.
The castle sits about 600 meters northwest of Kautzen's parish church and is visible from outside. Since it remains privately owned, interior visits are not possible, but the architecture and water defenses can be viewed from the exterior.
The castle marked a strategic point at the historical border between Austria, Bohemia, and Moravia, highlighting its importance as a frontier fortress. Its location made it a key fortification in a network of defensive structures across the region.
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