Gomarn Castle - Burgruine Gomarn

Gomarn Castle - Burgruine Gomarn, Bad Sankt Leonhard im Lavanttal, Carinthia, Republic of Austria.

   The ruins of St. Leonhard Castle are located near the town of Bad St. Leonhard im Lavanttal on a wooded hill. The original castle structure likely dates back to the 11th or 12th century – it is first mentioned in 1287 – but the current remains of the walls are based on construction from the 12th to 15th centuries. The four-story main building of the castle, facing northeast, received a strong outer wall in the 15th century, which is still preserved today. The town's defensive wall, sections of which are still well-preserved, also enclosed the castle.

   The castle's wooden structures were destroyed by fire in 1762, but it was rebuilt. In 1808, it burned down again, and the ruins have not been rebuilt since.

   The municipality of Bad St. Leonhard im Lavanttal (the current owner) has reinforced the castle walls to such an extent that the ruins can be safely accessed by locals and tourists. In the castle courtyard, shaded by a large chestnut tree, wooden tables and benches are set up, as the town's clubs and associations host castle festivals, castle hill festivals, and other events here during the summer.

   On the slope in front of the castle walls is a well-maintained park with pleasant walking paths and a miniature golf course – from here, the view extends across the town to the heights of the Koralpe mountain range.