March 30, 2018   Friday       Tratzberg Castle

Tratzberg Castle was built in 1500 and opulently refurbished in the Renaissance.  It was home to several distinguished figures such a Emperor Maximilian I and the Fugger family of rich merchants.  Count Ulrich and Countess Katrin Goess-Enzenberg have inherited the castle and still live there today.

Approaching the castle.

Beautifully painted Renaissance court yard.

Courtyard

The arcade with life size deer painted on the walls from the year 1517 and decorated with deer heads.

The hunting hall with tables set for meals.  Life-sized animals and hunters decorate the walls.  Hidden in the ceiling, is a secret staircase, leading to Emperor Maximilian's private rooms.

Trap door for quick escapes.

Living room of the Fuggers.  A beautiful saltire desk with inlay top.

Ceiling.

A round room in the turret.  Family crests in the windows.

Precious iron ornaments at door locks and ribbons.  Why do anything halfway when you can create this!!

The sleeping quarters typical of the time.  The bed is small because they slept sitting up.  There was a fear of sleeping prone because they believed too much blood would rush to the head.  The piece of furniture to the right is one of the most valuable in the German speaking area:  the Reifensteiner Chest from 1460.

An indoor toilet!  Very rare at the time.

Habsburg Hall: Unique murals of the Habsburg family tree from the year 1278 to 1507.

The green vine is the man's line, the brown is the woman's.  Display of clothing, hair and beard styles as well as hats present fashion elements from the late 15th century.  Direct lines to according emperors and their wives are presented with blue clouds.

The Lady's Parlour:  Numerous tools and gadgets from the late medieval times, among them spinning wheels, bobbins, as well as a laundry press and many pieces of furniture from different centuries.  The bed dates to 1615.

A green tiled stove for heat and a wash stand in front of it.

The Queen's Parlour:  High Renaissance.  Special ceiling ornaments, made from elaborate carvings from different woods, supported by a marble column.

Gorgeous furniture from the Renaissance and Baroque ages.

A painting in the chapel of St. Catherine at the moment of her martyrdom.

The castle's chapel.

The armory.  

Paul

Clare

A very regal and serious, Aaron.

The train that brought us up the hill to the castle and back down again.