HALBTURN CASTLE

Halbturn Castle, the most important Baroque building of Burgenland, was once used by the Habsburg emperor's family as a hunting and summer residence. Today, it is one of the most valuable historical tourist destinations in the country. It offers an expansive park, a wide range on the castle restaurant's menu, the castle winery, and some annual arts and culture events. The castle is situated in northern Burgenland, near the Neusiedler See. It was built in 1711, in the reign of Emperor Charles VI, by Lucas von Hildebrandt, one of the most important Austrian representatives of the late Baroque architecture. Through Clarles' daughter, Maria Theresia, Halbturn Castle came into the private possession of the family Habsburg Lothringen. They bought it from the Hungarian crown and gave it to their favorite daughter, Archduchess Marie Christine, for her wedding to Duke Albert Casimir von Sachsen-Teschen, the founder of the graphic arts collection of Albertina in Vienna. As a result, the Halbturn castle remained in the ownership of this line of the House of Habsburg-Lothringen. Today the castle is owned by Halbturn Baron Paul Waldbott-Bassenheim, a direct descendant of Archduke's family. He and his wife, Marietheres, née Countess of Wickenburg, have created a diverse experience for visitors.

CENTRE OF ART AND CULTURE

Art and culture have always played important roles in the Halbturn castle. Featured annual exhibitions can be found every month from April to October. Also, contemporary art exhibitions are held in the castle Halbturn.

THE CASTLE PARK

Under Emperor Charles VI and his wife, Elisabeth Christine, is the first evidence of a garden design. This magnificent baroque garden did not change substantially until the 19th century. The park of today reflects the reshaping of 1900, as built by Archduke Friedrich. Landscaping at the Garden was done by the then-Director of Schönbrunn, Anton Umlauft. The park, the only park in the northeastern Burgenland, is now a fully developed landscaped garden in an unchanged beauty in all seasons and a haven for relaxation seekers.

http://www.schlosshalbturn.com/

by Johannes Graf

2010.09.04