Forchtenstein Castle Tour: Priority Entrance (Forchtenstein Castle Tour: Priority Entrance) Vienna Austria

Dating back to the 13th century, Forchtenstein Castle served as home, treasure chamber, and arsenal for the Esterházy princes. The treasure chamber includes one of the largest Baroque portrait galleries in Europe as well as centuries' worth of exotic items. The armory holds weapons and military equipment from days gone by. Surround yourself in medieval history and treasure and even take a guided tour through this ancient castle.The looming castle sitting in the foothills of the Rosaliengebirge mountain range is one of the most important historical symbols of Burgenland. Built in the early 14th century, Forchtenstein Castle withstood the Turkish invasion of Vienna of 1529 unharmed and in 1622 came into the possession of the Counts Esterházy, who completely rebuilt the castle into the form it still has to this day. Free guided tours (in German, with an English info booklet) can be joined with your entrance ticket. Or you can opt for one of the twice-daily Highlights tours and get a complete tour through all the best areas of this amazing castle. The treasure chamber holds many amazing pieces including the only Baroque art collection in Europe to remain in its original location. It also contains precious clocks, ivory carvings, and much more. All so heavily fortified and secret that it remained entirely hidden throughout WWII. Note: the Treasure Chamber is only accessible on a guided tour. The armory here is alone worth the trip. Unless you were trying to storm the castle, in which case the array of muskets, helmets, halberds, armor plates, crossbows, cannonballs and even hand grenade containers can be seen in the armory. With such a display of once-operational weaponry it's no wonder nobody could ever take Forchtenstein Castle.The Esterházy Gallery of Ancestors is one of the largest Baroque portrait galleries in Central Europe. It serves as a status symbol of the princely dynasty. With the cast of infamous characters on display (including Attila the Hun, Charlemagne, and Vlad the Impaler – the inspiration for Dracula) you can understand why they needed such thick defenses at this castle.