Group 2 | Station 13 | Ruins of Lavant Castle
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Ruins of Lavant Castle
The diocese of Lavant was founded in 1228 CE. The Lavant bishops were loyal vassals of the Archbishop of Salzburg. Lavant Castle was first mentioned in a document in 1293.
The residence on the north-western shoulder of the Petersberg is probably a donation from Salzburg Archbishop Konrad to the Lavant diocese. The Lavant bishops resided mainly in Friesach in the 14th century and managed all affairs for Salzburg.
In 1561, Bishop Martin Herkules Rettinger rebuilt the Lavant castle. His coat of arms with a date can be seen above the entrance to the outer bailey.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, it was managed by caretakers. After the town fire of 1673, the castle was no longer restored.
There is proof that after the year 1780, the Lavant bishops resided in the provost of St. Mauritz and Maria Magdalena, in the Neumarkt suburb.
The castle consists of an outer bailey and a core with two wings. At the western end of the ruined complex are the remains of the keep, from which the older town wall led into the valley.
Today the castle is privately owned.
Map: 13
Station 13 | Lavant Castle Ruins