Schloss Eberschwang

Schloss Eberschwang stands in the village of Eberschwang in Upper Austria’s Ried district. It began as a medieval water castle in the 13th century and later became the seat of the Pewntner knights. In 1542 Hans Caspar Marschalk rebuilt it, and in 1668 Count Gottfried Wilhelm von Tattenbach-Reinstein replaced the wooden structure with a brick building. After damage in the War of Spanish Succession, it was restored and used as a benefice house for the parish church. The building’s history is visible in its architecture. The Biedermeier roof and the traces of four watchtowers removed in 1542 show its past. Empty figure niches and a rounded entrance portal with pilasters recall its noble owners. The coat of arms once above the door has disappeared, but the portal remains a reminder of the Marschalk family’s rank. Today the former castle serves as the parish hall of Eberschwang. A small park surrounds the renovated building, and the parish centre and village library are attached to it. The dry moat is gone, but the quiet setting and careful upkeep give the place a dignified air.