Schloss Wald, Castle in Pyhra, Austria
Schloss Wald in Pyhra consists of an old castle (Altschloss) and a new castle (Neuschloss) joined together, the latter added from 1848 for the Counts Haugwitz. The Auersperg family later returned the exterior to its 18th-century appearance. The estate has been owned by the Auersperg-Breunner family since 1930.
The castle was first documented in 1140 as the residence of Udalschalk von Wald and later developed into a Renaissance complex. Over the centuries it experienced military conflicts and changed ownership several times.
The name Wald comes from the family of Udalschalk von Wald, first recorded in 1140. The Haugwitz counts added the Neuschloss wing to the Altschloss from 1848, so two building phases stand side by side. The Auersperg family later returned the exterior to its 18th-century state.
The castle is private property of the Auersperg family located near Pyhra in Lower Austria. Visits require advance permission as the estate is not open to the general public.
Jérôme Bonaparte, Napoleon's youngest brother and former King of Westphalia, briefly appears as owner of Schloss Wald in 1817, living in exile under the name Hieronymus Fürst von Montfort. The same year the estate passed to Franz Freiherr von Pillersdorf.
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