Liebburg Castle

In the 17th century the brothers Sigmund and Christof von Wolkenstein-Rodenegg lived in Castel Bruck in Lienz, an impressive castle hosting the museum of the city of Lienz. The complex overlooks both the city and the Isel stream from a hill. At that time the conditions the brothers were living in were rather bad which is why they built Castel Liebburg in the main square of Lienz as their new residence.

The eventful history of Castel Liebburg is marked by three events: in 1609 it was completely destroyed by a fire. During the following reconstruction works its characteristic onion domes were added. In 1653 Lienz was forced to return its castles, including Castel Liebburg, to Tyrol. Another terrible event for the monument occurred in 1723 when again it was victim of a violent fire. This time the population promised that they would organise a St. Florian procession every year to prevent future disasters.

Today the residence is a property of the municipality of Lienz and hosts the capital of East Tyrol. The famous Christmas market of Lienz takes place every year on the Stadtplatz. On this occasion the windows of Castel Liebburg are turned into a huge, illuminated Advent calender of which a door is opened every day.

In the 17th century, the brothers Sigmund and Christoph von Wolkenstein-Rodenegg had their residence at Bruck Castle near , which houses the Regional Museum Lienz today. Due to the there prevailing cold and unfavourable living conditions, they built a residential castle in the valley basin which today is enthroned right in the middle of the main square of Lienz.

Three dates are important in the history of this building: in 1609, Liebburg Castle burnt down and was rebuilt. Back then the today characteristic onion-domed towers were added. In 1653 the entire Reign Lienz together with the castles was given back to the Counts of Tyrol. And finally 1723, when again a fire raged at the castle and the people promised to hold a procession dedicated to Saint Florian every year.

Today the castle is in the possession of the township of Lienz and is the town hall of the main town of East Tyrol. Moreover, in Advent, the Christmas Market of Lienz takes place at the gates of the castle. Then the castle turns into a gigantic Advent calendar, each window is numbered, lighted and opened in the evenings.