Arnoldstein Castle - Schloss Arnoldstein - Klosterruine Arnoldstein

Arnoldstein Castle - Schloss Arnoldstein - Klosterruine Arnoldstein, Arnoldstein, Carinthia, Republic of Austria.

   The history of the Arnoldstein Monastery ruins in Carinthia is a fascinating journey through time. Even before the founding of the Benedictine monastery by Bishop Otto I in 1106, a castle stood on the rock, its origins traced back to its founder, Arnold. The castle was demolished to make way for the monastery. In 1126, Ingram was appointed the first abbot of Arnoldstein.

   Over the centuries, the monastery experienced numerous significant events. In 1284, an agreement was reached with the Moggio Monastery for the construction of a stone granary to store crops and protect them from plunder. A severe earthquake in 1348, followed by the plague, and the Venetian invasion of 1368 led to repeated plundering and destruction. In 1391, the original parish of St. Hermagoras was incorporated, and in 1476 the monastery fell victim to a Turkish invasion, being consumed by flames.

   The industrial era began in 1495 with the Fugger brothers' permission to establish a copper smelting works, which was discontinued in 1570. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the monastery was shaken by the Reformation and Counter-Reformation movements, fires, and witch trials.

   The monastery was dissolved in 1783 under Emperor Joseph II. A fire in 1883 finally destroyed the monastery, and it was not rebuilt. Extensive revitalization work did not begin until 1992. This involved removing approximately 15,000 cubic meters of rubble, repairing walls, and restoring vaults, in cooperation with the Federal Monuments Office and various experts.

   Since 1998, renovated rooms have been fitted with protective roofs, and intermediate floors have been installed. In 2005, public restrooms were added, and the former church received a new roof in 2006 and new windows in 2007. In the following years, the outer bailey of the monastery was modernized and converted to provide seminar and dining rooms for cultural and gastronomic purposes.

   These projects were financed by the municipality of Arnoldstein, the State of Carinthia, the Federal Monuments Office, and numerous donors. The revitalization work was completed in 2014.

Today, the former ruin serves as Arnoldstein's cultural center.

Source: https://www.kaernten.at/sehenswertes/burgen-und-schloesser/klosterruine-arnoldstein/