The Royal Castle

The spacious predecessor of the present castle was erected at the time of the town’s expansion in the 14th century. This was at the site where today the Herrengasse leads into the Burgplatz. However, in 1490 it was reported that the royal castle was destroyed by a flood. The building was re-erected soon after, and in 1494 the Emperor Maximilian I already residedin its walls.

The most important incident with regard to the castle’s history took place in the year of 1521. Having nothing but worries on his journey from Worms to Vienna, the freshly crowned Emperor Ferdinand I paid homage to the leaders of a potential revolt. He was only capable of the Spanish language,but was supported by his German speaking secretary Gabriel of Salamanca. This event became historically known as the first “Landtag of Ybbs”.

In the years to follow the royal castle lost much of its importance.In 1533 Ferdinand already refers to it as the desolate castle of Ybbs.

The last famous guest was the Emperor Joseph II. He took quarter in the castle in the year of 1779.

Over the years the building experienced various changes. Its present appearance was completed in the renaissance. However, it lost its four corner towers due to transformations in the 19th century.

Within the renovation activities of the town’s centre, the royalcastle was completely refurbished. Nowadays it serves as a college for nursing aspirants.