Schloss Ottersbach, Protected castle in Großklein, Austria
Schloss Ottersbach sits in Mantrach as a complete estate with a south wing, courtyard buildings, a pleasure pavilion, and a mill all forming one architectural group. The entire complex is intact and reflects how Styrian noble residences were typically organized.
The castle was founded in 1616 when Archduke Ferdinand authorized Hans Murn to build a noble residence and give it the name Ottersbach. This founding marked the start of the family's long presence as a major landowner in the region.
The castle has housed a museum since 2005, offering visitors insights into how the estate and its inhabitants evolved across different periods. The exhibition rooms show how successive families shaped and used the property.
The castle can be visited during regular opening hours and includes exhibition spaces as well as garden areas featuring a 60-meter-long rose arbor. Visitors should plan enough time to explore both the interior rooms and the outdoor spaces.
The Murn family created a coat of arms featuring an otter leaping over a water beam, a visual representation of the castle's name. This heraldic symbol playfully connects the family to the landscape and natural elements of their homeland.
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