Mill village Gschnitz
Experience history - an open-air museum in a picturesque...
Trautson Castle - Pearl of the Wipptal
26.09.2019
The pearl of the Wipptal from the 13th century
Trautson Castle, which towers over Matrei, dates back to the 13th century and was once known as the "Pearl of the Wipptal". Towards the end of the Second World War, the castle was almost completely destroyed in a bombing raid. Klaus Rinner showed me around the current castle grounds and told me about glorious times and strokes of fate.
On Monument Day in September 2018, a festival was held for the first time at Trautson Castle with guided tours and comprehensive information about the history of the estate. The members of the "Schloss Matrei-Trautson" association and the current owner, Mr. DI Gobert Auersperg-Trautson, were surprised by the rush of visitors. It was also my first time on the castle grounds and I was amazed at everything I learned about the once magnificent castle above Matrei during the guided tour led by Klaus Rinner, the association's project manager.
Glorious times
Klaus told me that the castle originally dates back to the Middle Ages and was then known as the "Hintere Veste Matrei". It was built in 1221 by Count Albrecht III of Tyrol and immediately granted to his servants, the Lords of Matrei. When the last male descendant of this noble family died in 1360, the castle fell to his daughter Anastasia. She was married to Hans Trautson von Sprechenstein, which gave the castle its current name "Trautson Castle". In the following centuries, the buildings were extended and enlarged several times. After several owners, including Emperor Maximilian I, Anton Trautson bought the castle back from his ancestors. In 1775, Maria Josepha von Trautson brought it into her marriage with Karl Joseph Prince Auersperg, in whose family it still remains.
Heavy blows of fate
When the Brenner Railway was built in 1868 and a tunnel was blown through the castle hill, the keep and the residential buildings suffered major damage. However, the castle suffered its worst blow on April 2, 1945, when the walls were almost completely destroyed by American aerial bombs. The bombing was actually aimed at the Brenner Railway, which ran right next to it. "Today there is only the rebuilt chaplaincy building, a few castle walls and the laundry room," explains Klaus, "but for me this is a special place and it exudes a certain charm from days gone by. A place of power that we want to make accessible to everyone in the future."
Big plans for the castle grounds
The "Schloss Matrei - Trautson" association has set itself the goal of establishing the entire castle grounds as a cultural and event center. Children, young people and families should be just as attracted by the offer as art lovers and those seeking relaxation. Plans include a café with an event hall, a suspension bridge and a new outdoor area design. Sports activities - such as archery - will round off the offer. The first renovation measures are already being implemented, the suspension bridge is due to be built by fall 2019 and the entire project should be completed by 2025. Then the "Pearl of the Wipptal" will shine in new splendor...
TIP: Become a supporting member of the Matrei Trautson Castle Association for € 50 and contribute to the revitalization! You can also benefit from exclusive guided tours, excursions and discounts on events. More information & registration at the office of the Wipptal planning association.
Image sources: Municipality of Matrei, Municipality of Mühlbachl, Planning Association Wipptal, Regional Management Wipptal, TVB Wipptal
