Liebburg Castle

Liebburg Castle (Schloss Liebburg) was built by the Earls of Wolkenstein-Rodenegg in the 17th century. The brothers Sigmund and Christoph von Wolkenstein-Rodenegg had their residence at Bruck Castle near Lienz, 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.

In 1653, the entire Reign Lienz together with the castles was given back to the Counts of Tyrol. Twice in its history, the castle was burned and rebuilt. In 1609, the characteristic onion domes were added which make the castle unmistakable today. After another fire in 1723, the local people promised to hold a procession dedicated to Saint Florian every year. In between, Liebburg Castle served as military camp, poor-law infirmary, and district authority.

Since 1988, Liebburg Castle is in the possession of the township of Lienz and houses the town hall today. Among many visitors the castle is popular in Advent, when the Lienz Christmas Market takes place at the gates of the castle, and the castle turns into a gigantic Advent calendar. Each window gets a number, and is opened and illuminated in the evenings.