Schloss Artstetten

Schloss Artstetten is a castle in Lower Austria, the residence of the Hohenberg family, descendants of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophia. The white walls, slender towers and graceful “bulbous” domes of Artstetten rise above the Danube and attract travelers every year. Today, the castle houses the museum of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

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Castle Reconstructions

Before the 19th century, the castle Artstetten (Schloss Artstetten) was reconstructed many times. The largest reconstruction was carried out in the XVI century by the architect Matthäus Grundreking. At the end of the XVII century the castle was enlarged. Two wings were added under the direction of the architect Maximilian von Rothenhaus, and the facade was renovated in the Baroque style. During the XVIII century Artstetten survived two fires and a hurricane. Each time it was rebuilt. In 1823, the castle was bought from the owners by the Imperial House of Austria.

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The owners of Artstetten

In 1852, Artstetten was inherited by Franz Karl Habsburg. A few years later, the archduke gave the castle to Karl Ludwig, his third son. The new owner rested in the spring and summer at his favorite estate. He rebuilt the palace again, luxuriously decorated the interiors.

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In 1889, Carl Ludwig passed the estate to his son, Franz Ferdinand. The palace above the Danube became one of the many residences of the young heir to the throne, but it was here that he preferred to spend his time. The Archduke again reconstructed the building and renovated the park. Since then, Artstetten has acquired the appearance we see today – a square central building framed by seven round towers.

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Family History

Artstetten was a silent witness to the touching and sad family history of the Archduke d’Este. Franz Ferdinand entered into a morganatic marriage unacceptable from the point of view of the imperial dynasty. Against the will of his family, he married a woman of unequal status, the beautiful Czech Countess Sophia Hotek. The couple had two sons and a daughter, who received the title of Princes Hohenberg. The children had no right to succeed to the throne. Sophia could not be buried after her death in the imperial crypt of the Kapuzinerkirche, so Franz Ferdinand ordered a family crypt to be built in the castle.

In the summer of 1914, Franz and Sofia were assassinated in Sarajevo. The couple were buried in the church of Artstetten and buried in the family crypt. Maximilian, Franz Ferdinand’s twelve-year-old son, inherited the castle. After the Anschluss of Austria in 1938, the Nazis arrested both of the Archduke’s sons and sent them to Dachau camp. The castle was confiscated in favor of Germany. It was not returned to the owners until 1949.

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The castle today

Franz Ferdinand’s great-granddaughter, Princess Anita, now lives in Artstetten. The castle has become the Archduke’s museum, the titular hostess often welcomes visitors herself. In 25 halls you can see photos and documents, hunting trophies, art and household items, toys of young princes. Since 2003, Artstetten has been owned by the Anita Hohenberg Foundation.

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Interesting fact

The 10 euro coin of the Austrian National Bank is dedicated to Artstetten Castle.

Tourists

Museum opening hours

The Archduke Franz Ferdinand Museum is open from April 1 to November 1 daily from 09:00 to 17:30.

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Entrance fees

Museum, exhibition, crypt and park:

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adult € 11.00 student € 9.00 children and students (6-15 years old) € 7.00.

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Address

Schlossplatz 1 3661 Artstetten

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