Weissenstein Castle

Castel Matrey was built in the 12th century above the Matrei basin, along the Felbertauernstraße. At the time, it was in the hands of the Lords of Lechsgemünde, who also owned other castles throughout East Tyrol, including Kienburg and Schloss Lengberg.

Two centuries later, the castle's name was changed to Weißenstein (white stone), because of the white dolomite rock it stands on. In the following years it decayed and was sporadically used as a poorhouse. In the 19th century, it underwent extensive restoration works, modelled on English castles of the historicist period. On this occasion, its beautiful park was also added, which contributed to its increasing popularity.

Subsequently, the castle was restored, according to the architectural features of the castles in the Rhineland. It then became a famous luxury hotel. The St. Laurentius chapel is also worth mentioning. In the 17th century, objects housed in the chapel, were stolen by thieves but, fortunately, its marvellous frescoes by Simon Taisten on the exterior wall can still be seen today. In 1921, the castle was sold and is now private property.