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The rain was just a brief interlude – we stayed dry and comfy on board, simply waiting it out. Before long, the sun was back, and everything felt right again. Just the way it should be.
The viewing terrace at Castle Landsberg in Ratingen offers a beautiful spot to enjoy the surrounding landscape and the historical ambiance of the castle. Castle Landsberg is a medieval castle located on a hill in the wooded area between Ratingen and Essen, Germany.
The Castle of Vorselaar, located in the village of the same name in the province of Antwerp, Belgium, is a historic castle surrounded by a beautiful park landscape. The castle, often referred to as "the water castle," owes its name to the moat that completely encircles it. The origins of the building date back to the 14th century, but the castle has undergone various renovations over the centuries.
Just one of the huge windows of Château de Chambord. It's one of the most recognizable châteaux in the world because of its very distinctive French Renaissance architecture which blends traditional French medieval forms with classical Renaissance structures.
#travel #castle #french #architecture
Laxenburg castles are imperial palaces and castles outside Vienna, in the town of Laxenburg owned in equal parts by Vienna and Lower Austria. The castles became a Habsburg possession in 1333 and formerly served as a summer retreat, along with Schönbrunn palace, for the imperial Habsburg dynasty. Blauer Hof Palace was the birthplace of some members of the royal family, including Crown Prince Rudolf. Another castle nearby is named Franzensburg castle.
Today the castles are used for events, conferences, and concerts. The castles also acts as a museum in preserving the various paintings and furnishings contained within.
Old Laxenburg Castle became a Habsburg possession in 1333 and was extended in the 17th century by Lodovico Burnacini. The Blauer Hof (German for: blue court) or Neues Schloss (German for: new castle) was built around 1745 during the reign of empress Maria Theresa and has a Rococo interior.
The church of Laxenburg, which was the first building north of the Alps containing swung facade components (characteristics of the high baroque), was built between 1693 and 1703 by Carlo Antonio Carlone and continued between 1703 and 1724 by Matthias Steinl.
After 1780, the castle garden was rearranged as an English landscape garden. It contains several artificial ponds, and, on an island, the Franzensburg castle, named after emperor Franz I, can be found.
In 1919, the city of Vienna took over the war-damaged castle and became the property owner of the park area of Laxenburg.
After the Anschluss of Austria in 1938, the municipality of Laxenburg became part of the city Vienna. In 1954, the place became independent again and was returned to Lower Austria. In 1972, Schloss Laxenburg became the home to the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, (IIASA), and brought together the best scientists from either side of the iron curtain to study global problems. After the Cold War, the Institute broadened its mandate from the East and West to a truly global focus and, today, it brings together researchers from all over the world to provide science-based insights into critical policy issues in international and national debates on global change.[citation needed]
Several members of the imperial family were born at Laxenburg:
Archduchess Gisela of Austria, (15 July 1856 in Laxenburg, 27 July 1932 in Munich), Archduchess of Austria-Hungary, daughter of Franz Joseph I of Austria and Elisabeth of Bavaria.
Crown Prince Rudolf (21 August 1858 in Laxenburg, 30 January 1889 in Mayerling) – son of Franz Joseph I and Elisabeth.
Archduchess Elisabeth Marie of Austria (2 September 1883 in Laxenburg, 16 March 1963 in Vienna), daughter of Crown Prince Rudolf.
Archduke Maximilian married at Laxenburg in 1917.
Laxenburg castles are imperial palaces and castles outside Vienna, in the town of Laxenburg owned in equal parts by Vienna and Lower Austria. The castles became a Habsburg possession in 1333 and formerly served as a summer retreat, along with Schönbrunn palace, for the imperial Habsburg dynasty. Blauer Hof Palace was the birthplace of some members of the royal family, including Crown Prince Rudolf. Another castle nearby is named Franzensburg castle.
Today the castles are used for events, conferences, and concerts. The castles also acts as a museum in preserving the various paintings and furnishings contained within.
Old Laxenburg Castle became a Habsburg possession in 1333 and was extended in the 17th century by Lodovico Burnacini. The Blauer Hof (German for: blue court) or Neues Schloss (German for: new castle) was built around 1745 during the reign of empress Maria Theresa and has a Rococo interior.
The church of Laxenburg, which was the first building north of the Alps containing swung facade components (characteristics of the high baroque), was built between 1693 and 1703 by Carlo Antonio Carlone and continued between 1703 and 1724 by Matthias Steinl.
After 1780, the castle garden was rearranged as an English landscape garden. It contains several artificial ponds, and, on an island, the Franzensburg castle, named after emperor Franz I, can be found.
In 1919, the city of Vienna took over the war-damaged castle and became the property owner of the park area of Laxenburg.
After the Anschluss of Austria in 1938, the municipality of Laxenburg became part of the city Vienna. In 1954, the place became independent again and was returned to Lower Austria. In 1972, Schloss Laxenburg became the home to the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, (IIASA), and brought together the best scientists from either side of the iron curtain to study global problems. After the Cold War, the Institute broadened its mandate from the East and West to a truly global focus and, today, it brings together researchers from all over the world to provide science-based insights into critical policy issues in international and national debates on global change.[citation needed]
Several members of the imperial family were born at Laxenburg:
Archduchess Gisela of Austria, (15 July 1856 in Laxenburg, 27 July 1932 in Munich), Archduchess of Austria-Hungary, daughter of Franz Joseph I of Austria and Elisabeth of Bavaria.
Crown Prince Rudolf (21 August 1858 in Laxenburg, 30 January 1889 in Mayerling) – son of Franz Joseph I and Elisabeth.
Archduchess Elisabeth Marie of Austria (2 September 1883 in Laxenburg, 16 March 1963 in Vienna), daughter of Crown Prince Rudolf.
Archduke Maximilian married at Laxenburg in 1917.
Forchtenstein Castle (German: Burg Forchtenstein; Hungarian: Fraknó vára; Croatian: Fortnavski grad) is a castle built in the Late Middle Ages near the municipality of Forchtenstein in northern Burgenland, Austria. Forchtenstein Castle is 511 metres (1,677 ft) above sea level.
The castle is south of Mattersburg above the Wulka valley.
The first part of the castle with its 50-metre (160 ft) high keep was built in the beginning of the 15th century by the Lords of Mattersburg, who later named themselves Lords of Forchtenstein.
The castle features a tower, known as the 'Black Tower' although the black rock that originally lined the tower has since been stripped. The tower contains a 12-metre (40 ft) deep pit used as a prison cell for those condemned to death. Rezallia, wife of Lettus of Forchtenstein used this with great frequency; on the return of her husband from military service, she was herself sentenced to death in the tower by her husband.
Around 1450 the Lords of Forchtenstein died off due to lack of a male heir and the castle was passed over to the House of Habsburg, which owned it for 170 years. They leased it to others, including the Counts of Weissbriach and Hardegg. During this time the building was not changed significantly.
In 1622 Nikolaus Esterházy, founder of the western Hungarian Esterházy line, received the castle from Emperor Ferdinand II, and Esterházy became a Count. Nikolaus started to fortify the crumbling castle and refurbished it with the services of Vienna builder Simon Retacco from 1630 to 1634 and with Domenico Carlone from 1643. The construction workers were all from Italy. This led to big orders for three masters of Kaisersteinbruch, the imperial quarry: Ambrosius Petruzzy, Pietro Maino Maderno, and Mathias Lorentisch. Kaiserstein stone was used for the main portals, fountains, cannonballs, etc. Once hewn the stone was delivered on large wagons drawn by six oxen.
In the second half of the 17th century his son Paul further extended and ornamented the castle with architect Domenico Carlone. After Paul's death the castle's function changed. It became a repository for weapons, archives, chronometers, machines, exotic animal preparations and other "marvels". The only access to the treasure vault was a secret passage leading to a door requiring two different keys used together. One key was kept by the Count and the other by his treasurer. In the second half of the 18th century the castle was extended by master builder Ferdinand Mödlhammer. During this work the roof truss was lifted and the interior was renovated.
The treasure vault remained undiscovered and intact throughout World War II. The original glass-paned cabinets containing the collection are works of art in themselves.
The castle is still owned by the Esterházy family and, together with Schloss Esterházy in Eisenstadt, it chronicles the history and treasures of this ancient aristocratic family.
When Austria and Hungary separated in 1921, the Esterházy family's lands were split between the two countries. Their financial records remained at Castle Forchtenstein and the family records were taken to the Hungarian Federal Archive in Budapest.
Laxenburg castles are imperial palaces and castles outside Vienna, in the town of Laxenburg owned in equal parts by Vienna and Lower Austria. The castles became a Habsburg possession in 1333 and formerly served as a summer retreat, along with Schönbrunn palace, for the imperial Habsburg dynasty. Blauer Hof Palace was the birthplace of some members of the royal family, including Crown Prince Rudolf. Another castle nearby is named Franzensburg castle.
Today the castles are used for events, conferences, and concerts. The castles also acts as a museum in preserving the various paintings and furnishings contained within.
Old Laxenburg Castle became a Habsburg possession in 1333 and was extended in the 17th century by Lodovico Burnacini. The Blauer Hof (German for: blue court) or Neues Schloss (German for: new castle) was built around 1745 during the reign of empress Maria Theresa and has a Rococo interior.
The church of Laxenburg, which was the first building north of the Alps containing swung facade components (characteristics of the high baroque), was built between 1693 and 1703 by Carlo Antonio Carlone and continued between 1703 and 1724 by Matthias Steinl.
After 1780, the castle garden was rearranged as an English landscape garden. It contains several artificial ponds, and, on an island, the Franzensburg castle, named after emperor Franz I, can be found.
In 1919, the city of Vienna took over the war-damaged castle and became the property owner of the park area of Laxenburg.
After the Anschluss of Austria in 1938, the municipality of Laxenburg became part of the city Vienna. In 1954, the place became independent again and was returned to Lower Austria. In 1972, Schloss Laxenburg became the home to the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, (IIASA), and brought together the best scientists from either side of the iron curtain to study global problems. After the Cold War, the Institute broadened its mandate from the East and West to a truly global focus and, today, it brings together researchers from all over the world to provide science-based insights into critical policy issues in international and national debates on global change.[citation needed]
Several members of the imperial family were born at Laxenburg:
Archduchess Gisela of Austria, (15 July 1856 in Laxenburg, 27 July 1932 in Munich), Archduchess of Austria-Hungary, daughter of Franz Joseph I of Austria and Elisabeth of Bavaria.
Crown Prince Rudolf (21 August 1858 in Laxenburg, 30 January 1889 in Mayerling) – son of Franz Joseph I and Elisabeth.
Archduchess Elisabeth Marie of Austria (2 September 1883 in Laxenburg, 16 March 1963 in Vienna), daughter of Crown Prince Rudolf.
Archduke Maximilian married at Laxenburg in 1917.
Franzensburg is a medieval style castle in Laxenburg, Lower Austria, Austria.
Built between 1801 and 1836, it was named in memory of the last Holy Roman Emperor, Francis II, who died in 1835.
History
The Franzensburg castle is the best-known building in the Laxenburg Castles Park. The castle is named after Emperor Francis II, who erected this in 1798–1801. Francis II was responsible for the construction of this reproduction of a medieval knights castle on an artificial island in the middle of the castles pond. The equipment of these premises is considered to be the Austrian treasure-house. Franzensburg Castle is a masterpiece of romantic classicism in the Neo-gothic style. Several magnificent extensions were carried out up until the year 1835, including the outer courtyard or the castle with the imaginative ancestors gallery in the form of sandstone busts. Thanks to a variety of purchases and donations, inside there are magnificent ranging from coffered ceilings and marble flooring to leather hangings and much more besides.
Today the castle is a museum.
Laxenburg castles are imperial palaces and castles outside Vienna, in the town of Laxenburg owned in equal parts by Vienna and Lower Austria. The castles became a Habsburg possession in 1333 and formerly served as a summer retreat, along with Schönbrunn palace, for the imperial Habsburg dynasty. Blauer Hof Palace was the birthplace of some members of the royal family, including Crown Prince Rudolf. Another castle nearby is named Franzensburg castle.
Today the castles are used for events, conferences, and concerts. The castles also acts as a museum in preserving the various paintings and furnishings contained within.
Old Laxenburg Castle became a Habsburg possession in 1333 and was extended in the 17th century by Lodovico Burnacini. The Blauer Hof (German for: blue court) or Neues Schloss (German for: new castle) was built around 1745 during the reign of empress Maria Theresa and has a Rococo interior.
The church of Laxenburg, which was the first building north of the Alps containing swung facade components (characteristics of the high baroque), was built between 1693 and 1703 by Carlo Antonio Carlone and continued between 1703 and 1724 by Matthias Steinl.
After 1780, the castle garden was rearranged as an English landscape garden. It contains several artificial ponds, and, on an island, the Franzensburg castle, named after emperor Franz I, can be found.
In 1919, the city of Vienna took over the war-damaged castle and became the property owner of the park area of Laxenburg.
After the Anschluss of Austria in 1938, the municipality of Laxenburg became part of the city Vienna. In 1954, the place became independent again and was returned to Lower Austria. In 1972, Schloss Laxenburg became the home to the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, (IIASA), and brought together the best scientists from either side of the iron curtain to study global problems. After the Cold War, the Institute broadened its mandate from the East and West to a truly global focus and, today, it brings together researchers from all over the world to provide science-based insights into critical policy issues in international and national debates on global change.[citation needed]
Several members of the imperial family were born at Laxenburg:
Archduchess Gisela of Austria, (15 July 1856 in Laxenburg, 27 July 1932 in Munich), Archduchess of Austria-Hungary, daughter of Franz Joseph I of Austria and Elisabeth of Bavaria.
Crown Prince Rudolf (21 August 1858 in Laxenburg, 30 January 1889 in Mayerling) – son of Franz Joseph I and Elisabeth.
Archduchess Elisabeth Marie of Austria (2 September 1883 in Laxenburg, 16 March 1963 in Vienna), daughter of Crown Prince Rudolf.
Archduke Maximilian married at Laxenburg in 1917.
Nestled atop the scenic hills of San Simeon, Hearst Castle’s main house, La Casa Grande, is a stunning example of Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Renaissance architecture. This iconic estate, designed by Julia Morgan for media tycoon William Randolph Hearst, showcases intricate details like the opulent bell tower with vibrant, hand-painted tiles and an ornate dome capped with a regal cross. The building's grandeur is accentuated by lush gardens, blooming with vibrant flowers and towering trees, providing a picturesque frame to the estate’s breathtaking design.
One of the most remarkable features of the main house is its fusion of European styles, blending elements from Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque influences. The mosaics, statuary, and detailed facades are a tribute to classical European architecture, giving visitors the sense of stepping into a grand European palace. The surrounding gardens, meticulously landscaped, offer serene walkways and panoramic views of California’s central coast.
The estate’s intricate craftsmanship and lavish interiors make Hearst Castle a must-see destination for architecture lovers, history buffs, and travelers alike. With its stunning design, expansive gardens, and rich history, the main house of Hearst Castle remains one of California’s most treasured landmarks.
Laxenburg castles are imperial palaces and castles outside Vienna, in the town of Laxenburg owned in equal parts by Vienna and Lower Austria. The castles became a Habsburg possession in 1333 and formerly served as a summer retreat, along with Schönbrunn palace, for the imperial Habsburg dynasty. Blauer Hof Palace was the birthplace of some members of the royal family, including Crown Prince Rudolf. Another castle nearby is named Franzensburg castle.
Today the castles are used for events, conferences, and concerts. The castles also acts as a museum in preserving the various paintings and furnishings contained within.
Old Laxenburg Castle became a Habsburg possession in 1333 and was extended in the 17th century by Lodovico Burnacini. The Blauer Hof (German for: blue court) or Neues Schloss (German for: new castle) was built around 1745 during the reign of empress Maria Theresa and has a Rococo interior.
The church of Laxenburg, which was the first building north of the Alps containing swung facade components (characteristics of the high baroque), was built between 1693 and 1703 by Carlo Antonio Carlone and continued between 1703 and 1724 by Matthias Steinl.
After 1780, the castle garden was rearranged as an English landscape garden. It contains several artificial ponds, and, on an island, the Franzensburg castle, named after emperor Franz I, can be found.
In 1919, the city of Vienna took over the war-damaged castle and became the property owner of the park area of Laxenburg.
After the Anschluss of Austria in 1938, the municipality of Laxenburg became part of the city Vienna. In 1954, the place became independent again and was returned to Lower Austria. In 1972, Schloss Laxenburg became the home to the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, (IIASA), and brought together the best scientists from either side of the iron curtain to study global problems. After the Cold War, the Institute broadened its mandate from the East and West to a truly global focus and, today, it brings together researchers from all over the world to provide science-based insights into critical policy issues in international and national debates on global change.[citation needed]
Several members of the imperial family were born at Laxenburg:
Archduchess Gisela of Austria, (15 July 1856 in Laxenburg, 27 July 1932 in Munich), Archduchess of Austria-Hungary, daughter of Franz Joseph I of Austria and Elisabeth of Bavaria.
Crown Prince Rudolf (21 August 1858 in Laxenburg, 30 January 1889 in Mayerling) – son of Franz Joseph I and Elisabeth.
Archduchess Elisabeth Marie of Austria (2 September 1883 in Laxenburg, 16 March 1963 in Vienna), daughter of Crown Prince Rudolf.
Archduke Maximilian married at Laxenburg in 1917.
Laxenburg castles are imperial palaces and castles outside Vienna, in the town of Laxenburg owned in equal parts by Vienna and Lower Austria. The castles became a Habsburg possession in 1333 and formerly served as a summer retreat, along with Schönbrunn palace, for the imperial Habsburg dynasty. Blauer Hof Palace was the birthplace of some members of the royal family, including Crown Prince Rudolf. Another castle nearby is named Franzensburg castle.
Today the castles are used for events, conferences, and concerts. The castles also acts as a museum in preserving the various paintings and furnishings contained within.
Old Laxenburg Castle became a Habsburg possession in 1333 and was extended in the 17th century by Lodovico Burnacini. The Blauer Hof (German for: blue court) or Neues Schloss (German for: new castle) was built around 1745 during the reign of empress Maria Theresa and has a Rococo interior.
The church of Laxenburg, which was the first building north of the Alps containing swung facade components (characteristics of the high baroque), was built between 1693 and 1703 by Carlo Antonio Carlone and continued between 1703 and 1724 by Matthias Steinl.
After 1780, the castle garden was rearranged as an English landscape garden. It contains several artificial ponds, and, on an island, the Franzensburg castle, named after emperor Franz I, can be found.
In 1919, the city of Vienna took over the war-damaged castle and became the property owner of the park area of Laxenburg.
After the Anschluss of Austria in 1938, the municipality of Laxenburg became part of the city Vienna. In 1954, the place became independent again and was returned to Lower Austria. In 1972, Schloss Laxenburg became the home to the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, (IIASA), and brought together the best scientists from either side of the iron curtain to study global problems. After the Cold War, the Institute broadened its mandate from the East and West to a truly global focus and, today, it brings together researchers from all over the world to provide science-based insights into critical policy issues in international and national debates on global change.[citation needed]
Several members of the imperial family were born at Laxenburg:
Archduchess Gisela of Austria, (15 July 1856 in Laxenburg, 27 July 1932 in Munich), Archduchess of Austria-Hungary, daughter of Franz Joseph I of Austria and Elisabeth of Bavaria.
Crown Prince Rudolf (21 August 1858 in Laxenburg, 30 January 1889 in Mayerling) – son of Franz Joseph I and Elisabeth.
Archduchess Elisabeth Marie of Austria (2 September 1883 in Laxenburg, 16 March 1963 in Vienna), daughter of Crown Prince Rudolf.
Archduke Maximilian married at Laxenburg in 1917.
castle keys in use
#travel #france #loire #valley #keys #bw #bnw #bnwphotos #monochrome #blackandwhite
Laxenburg castles are imperial palaces and castles outside Vienna, in the town of Laxenburg owned in equal parts by Vienna and Lower Austria. The castles became a Habsburg possession in 1333 and formerly served as a summer retreat, along with Schönbrunn palace, for the imperial Habsburg dynasty. Blauer Hof Palace was the birthplace of some members of the royal family, including Crown Prince Rudolf. Another castle nearby is named Franzensburg castle.
Today the castles are used for events, conferences, and concerts. The castles also acts as a museum in preserving the various paintings and furnishings contained within.
Old Laxenburg Castle became a Habsburg possession in 1333 and was extended in the 17th century by Lodovico Burnacini. The Blauer Hof (German for: blue court) or Neues Schloss (German for: new castle) was built around 1745 during the reign of empress Maria Theresa and has a Rococo interior.
The church of Laxenburg, which was the first building north of the Alps containing swung facade components (characteristics of the high baroque), was built between 1693 and 1703 by Carlo Antonio Carlone and continued between 1703 and 1724 by Matthias Steinl.
After 1780, the castle garden was rearranged as an English landscape garden. It contains several artificial ponds, and, on an island, the Franzensburg castle, named after emperor Franz I, can be found.
In 1919, the city of Vienna took over the war-damaged castle and became the property owner of the park area of Laxenburg.
After the Anschluss of Austria in 1938, the municipality of Laxenburg became part of the city Vienna. In 1954, the place became independent again and was returned to Lower Austria. In 1972, Schloss Laxenburg became the home to the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, (IIASA), and brought together the best scientists from either side of the iron curtain to study global problems. After the Cold War, the Institute broadened its mandate from the East and West to a truly global focus and, today, it brings together researchers from all over the world to provide science-based insights into critical policy issues in international and national debates on global change.[citation needed]
Several members of the imperial family were born at Laxenburg:
Archduchess Gisela of Austria, (15 July 1856 in Laxenburg, 27 July 1932 in Munich), Archduchess of Austria-Hungary, daughter of Franz Joseph I of Austria and Elisabeth of Bavaria.
Crown Prince Rudolf (21 August 1858 in Laxenburg, 30 January 1889 in Mayerling) – son of Franz Joseph I and Elisabeth.
Archduchess Elisabeth Marie of Austria (2 September 1883 in Laxenburg, 16 March 1963 in Vienna), daughter of Crown Prince Rudolf.
Archduke Maximilian married at Laxenburg in 1917.
Forchtenstein Castle (German: Burg Forchtenstein; Hungarian: Fraknó vára; Croatian: Fortnavski grad) is a castle built in the Late Middle Ages near the municipality of Forchtenstein in northern Burgenland, Austria. Forchtenstein Castle is 511 metres (1,677 ft) above sea level.
The castle is south of Mattersburg above the Wulka valley.
The first part of the castle with its 50-metre (160 ft) high keep was built in the beginning of the 15th century by the Lords of Mattersburg, who later named themselves Lords of Forchtenstein.
The castle features a tower, known as the 'Black Tower' although the black rock that originally lined the tower has since been stripped. The tower contains a 12-metre (40 ft) deep pit used as a prison cell for those condemned to death. Rezallia, wife of Lettus of Forchtenstein used this with great frequency; on the return of her husband from military service, she was herself sentenced to death in the tower by her husband.
Around 1450 the Lords of Forchtenstein died off due to lack of a male heir and the castle was passed over to the House of Habsburg, which owned it for 170 years. They leased it to others, including the Counts of Weissbriach and Hardegg. During this time the building was not changed significantly.
In 1622 Nikolaus Esterházy, founder of the western Hungarian Esterházy line, received the castle from Emperor Ferdinand II, and Esterházy became a Count. Nikolaus started to fortify the crumbling castle and refurbished it with the services of Vienna builder Simon Retacco from 1630 to 1634 and with Domenico Carlone from 1643. The construction workers were all from Italy. This led to big orders for three masters of Kaisersteinbruch, the imperial quarry: Ambrosius Petruzzy, Pietro Maino Maderno, and Mathias Lorentisch. Kaiserstein stone was used for the main portals, fountains, cannonballs, etc. Once hewn the stone was delivered on large wagons drawn by six oxen.
In the second half of the 17th century his son Paul further extended and ornamented the castle with architect Domenico Carlone. After Paul's death the castle's function changed. It became a repository for weapons, archives, chronometers, machines, exotic animal preparations and other "marvels". The only access to the treasure vault was a secret passage leading to a door requiring two different keys used together. One key was kept by the Count and the other by his treasurer. In the second half of the 18th century the castle was extended by master builder Ferdinand Mödlhammer. During this work the roof truss was lifted and the interior was renovated.
The treasure vault remained undiscovered and intact throughout World War II. The original glass-paned cabinets containing the collection are works of art in themselves.
The castle is still owned by the Esterházy family and, together with Schloss Esterházy in Eisenstadt, it chronicles the history and treasures of this ancient aristocratic family.
When Austria and Hungary separated in 1921, the Esterházy family's lands were split between the two countries. Their financial records remained at Castle Forchtenstein and the family records were taken to the Hungarian Federal Archive in Budapest.
Laxenburg castles are imperial palaces and castles outside Vienna, in the town of Laxenburg owned in equal parts by Vienna and Lower Austria. The castles became a Habsburg possession in 1333 and formerly served as a summer retreat, along with Schönbrunn palace, for the imperial Habsburg dynasty. Blauer Hof Palace was the birthplace of some members of the royal family, including Crown Prince Rudolf. Another castle nearby is named Franzensburg castle.
Today the castles are used for events, conferences, and concerts. The castles also acts as a museum in preserving the various paintings and furnishings contained within.
Old Laxenburg Castle became a Habsburg possession in 1333 and was extended in the 17th century by Lodovico Burnacini. The Blauer Hof (German for: blue court) or Neues Schloss (German for: new castle) was built around 1745 during the reign of empress Maria Theresa and has a Rococo interior.
The church of Laxenburg, which was the first building north of the Alps containing swung facade components (characteristics of the high baroque), was built between 1693 and 1703 by Carlo Antonio Carlone and continued between 1703 and 1724 by Matthias Steinl.
After 1780, the castle garden was rearranged as an English landscape garden. It contains several artificial ponds, and, on an island, the Franzensburg castle, named after emperor Franz I, can be found.
In 1919, the city of Vienna took over the war-damaged castle and became the property owner of the park area of Laxenburg.
After the Anschluss of Austria in 1938, the municipality of Laxenburg became part of the city Vienna. In 1954, the place became independent again and was returned to Lower Austria. In 1972, Schloss Laxenburg became the home to the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, (IIASA), and brought together the best scientists from either side of the iron curtain to study global problems. After the Cold War, the Institute broadened its mandate from the East and West to a truly global focus and, today, it brings together researchers from all over the world to provide science-based insights into critical policy issues in international and national debates on global change.[citation needed]
Several members of the imperial family were born at Laxenburg:
Archduchess Gisela of Austria, (15 July 1856 in Laxenburg, 27 July 1932 in Munich), Archduchess of Austria-Hungary, daughter of Franz Joseph I of Austria and Elisabeth of Bavaria.
Crown Prince Rudolf (21 August 1858 in Laxenburg, 30 January 1889 in Mayerling) – son of Franz Joseph I and Elisabeth.
Archduchess Elisabeth Marie of Austria (2 September 1883 in Laxenburg, 16 March 1963 in Vienna), daughter of Crown Prince Rudolf.
Archduke Maximilian married at Laxenburg in 1917.
National Trust Scotney Castle
Film: Kodak ColorPlus 200
Camera: Leica MP
Lens: Leitz Summicron-C 1:2/40
View by Neuschwanstein Castle.
Photo by: Sarah B, UK
Viator.com link: Royal Castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Day Tour from Munich
This photo is free to use for your own purposes in accordance to the ‘Attribution-ShareAlike Creative Commons’ licence.
Including the Hohenschwangau castle and Alpsee.
Photo by: Heather J, USA
Viator.com link: Royal Castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Day Tour from Munich
This photo is free to use for your own purposes in accordance to the ‘Attribution-ShareAlike Creative Commons’ licence.
The famous view from the Mary's Bridge.
Photo by: Heather J, USA
Viator.com link: Royal Castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Day Tour from Munich
This photo is free to use for your own purposes in accordance to the ‘Attribution-ShareAlike Creative Commons’ licence.
Walking into the courtyard of Neuschwanstein waiting for the guided tour to begin, another good place to take photos.
Photo by: Sheralyn M, UK
Viator.com link: Royal Castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Day Tour from Munich
This photo is free to use for your own purposes in accordance to the ‘Attribution-ShareAlike Creative Commons’ licence.
View looking up from the front of Linderhof palace with the swans coming towards us, the snow adding to the magic.
Photo by: Sheralyn M, UK
Viator.com link: Royal Castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Day Tour from Munich
This photo is free to use for your own purposes in accordance to the ‘Attribution-ShareAlike Creative Commons’ licence.
This view is from one end of Balmoral Castle where there is a sunken garden. The grounds are wonderful. Highly recommended.
Small but beautiful.
Photo by: Stephen H, New Zealand
Viator.com link: Royal Castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Day Tour from Munich
This photo is free to use for your own purposes in accordance to the ‘Attribution-ShareAlike Creative Commons’ licence.
You can see very nice view from up of the Royal Castles.
Photo by: Anonymous, United Arab Emirates
Viator.com link: Royal Castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Day Tour from Munich
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Glamis Castle, (pronounced "Glams" - not Glam-is) is a striking piece of historic architecture. We attended the Strathmore Highland games here on the grounds. Lots of fun if you've never been. It's like an old-fashioned country fair in the states, but with some unusual competitions.
Balmoral, the Royal Family's retreat in Scotland. Had to stand a long way away to get the whole thing in the picture. You can only visit the ballroom, in the main castle, and outbuildings, but it's worth it.
Culzean Castle (pronounced Coo-lean). When you say Cul-zee-an, the Scots are quick to correct you. Culzean Caslte is located on the coast of the Firth of Clyde. Absolutely beautiful, tours available, highly recommended.
A frontal view of Boldt Castle on Heart Island in the Thousand Islands, New York. The grand stone structure, with its dramatic turrets, arched windows, and intricate Gothic Revival details, is partially framed by mature trees and a manicured lawn. Built as a tribute of love by George C. Boldt in the early 1900s, the castle exudes romantic grandeur and historic elegance. The peaceful setting and lush greenery enhance the fairytale-like quality of this iconic architectural gem.
I have to say Dunrobin was my favorite castle on this visit. It's not only gorgeous, but you can see alot of it on the tour. Additionally, there is a falconry demonstration that you should see, a museum, and spectacular grounds and views. Highly recommended.
Nacho, Alberto, Diego (Lila's arms behind Diego) - does it NOT figure that they had to sit down on the cannons like that? :P