Schloss Grafenegg

Schloss Grafenegg Review

A lush meadow and woodland area also surrounds the best-known site, Schloss Grafenegg. The moated Renaissance castle dating from 1533 was stormed by the Swedes in 1645 and rebuilt from 1840 to 1873 in the English Gothic Revival style, although its dominant feature is a gigantic central tower in the Bohemian style, complete with four mini-turrets like those of spooky Prague Castle. Greatly damaged during the 1945-55 occupation, the vast structure was extensively restored in the 1980s and has been owned for centuries by the Metternich-Sándor family. Inside, there's a Bibliothek (library), Rittersaal (Knights' Hall), and Wappenstube (coat of arms room). Look for such fascinating details as the gargoyle waterspouts, and don't miss the chapel. The outstanding Grafenegg Auditorium, which seats up to 1,300 people, and the extraordinary outdoor Wolkenturm (Cloud Tower) stage, are grand venues for the arts, particularly classical music. From late August to early September, these stages are home to an international festival of classical music, featuring performances by world-renowned musicians and the orchestra in residence, the Tonkünstler.