Prugg Castle has a long and eventful history. Originally built in the 12th century, it has been owned by the Counts of Harrach since 1564. Over the centuries, it has been remodeled several times: In the 18th century, it underwent a Baroque expansion based on designs by Lukas von Hildebrandt, and in the 19th century, it was redesigned in the Tudor-style Neo-Gothic style. The oldest part of the castle is the Roman or Pagan Tower, which dates back to the Romanesque period.
A famous feature of the castle is Harrach Park, an 18th-century English landscape garden known for its rare tree population. The park covers 54 hectares and is largely open to the public.
In addition to its historical significance, the sprawling estate now serves as a venue for major events.
Museum at Prugg Castle:
Once an important center of high politics, Prugg Castle fell into obscurity for many years. With the opening of the museum in 2026, this significant cultural heritage site will be accessible to the public for the first time.
Discover the castle’s history spanning over 800 years, the Harrach family, and life at the castle from the past to the present. In 2026, the museum will open in its preliminary phase, covering an area of 600 m²; in 2027, the area will expand to 830 m².
Prugg Castle offers a rare opportunity to showcase the building’s medieval origins, its Baroque splendor, and its current Tudor-style appearance. Despite multiple renovations and a restoration project that began cautiously in 2023, all elements of its glorious history remain visible. As the various phases of renovation progress, Prugg Castle is revealing many previously unknown details, which are being presented to visitors step by step.
The guided tours are highly recommended (book in advance by Thursday for the upcoming weekend); they explain the many details of the mansion and allow visitors to explore an additional 360 square meters of beautifully restored rooms. The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the Neo-Gothic Ancestral Hall with its 27 historical paintings depicting the most important members of the Harrach family.
