Purgstall Castle

Shortly after 1100, a branch of the high nobles of Lengenbach received the dominion of Purgstall from the Regensburg bishops. The castle was probably built by bailiffs of the diocese. Already in 1121, the brothers Hartwig, Heidenreich, and Otto named themselves after it.

In 1212, Siegfried Eisenbeutel is mentioned as a witness to a document issued in the castle. He was a ministerialis of the Counts of Peilstein. In the late 13th century, the property was divided. Until 1375, the Eisenbeutel and Häusler families appear as owners. Heinrich von Wallsee acquired both parts in 1375 and 1387. The Wallseer were probably the builders of the castle chapel. Reinprecht III von Wallsee left behind a daughter in 1483, who married a Count Schaunberg.

In 1492, Siegmund Count of Schaunburg sold the dominion to Volkhard von Auersperg for his ward Georg. Between 1568 and 1785, the dominion was divided. The re-Catholicized line resided in the Old Castle, while the Protestant Auersperg preferred the New Castle. In the 16th century, the castle was converted into the present castle complex. In 1683, the Auersperg successfully defended Purgstall against the Turks. The buildings on the east side, which partially slid into the Erlauf gorge in 1843, were soon renewed and supported with pillars and retaining walls.

In 1859, Auguste Sophia Princess Auersperg married Hermann Count Schaffgotsch, whereby the dominion passed to his family. According to a marble plaque, Eugenie Countess Schaffgotsch had the annex on the west front built in 1900. The Schaffgotsch were followed in 1934 by the Florian family, who are still the owners of Schloss and Gut Purgstall today.