However, this "bulwark" was not strategically well positioned, as the hill on which it was built provided little natural protection. It didn't take long for the bailiffs to conquer the castle, as it was already in the hands of the Lords of Matsch in 1297. After the extinction of this lineage in 1504, the castle passed to the Counts of Trapp, who still own it today - after over 500 years.
What makes the Churburg so unique and authentic is the fact that despite its long and eventful history, it has never been destroyed by conquest or fire.
It thus conveys a truly immediate picture of life in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The core of the complex is a mighty keep, around which a palace, a Romanesque chapel, and a curtain wall are grouped. The outer fortification ring includes several towers, gates, and baileys. A large garden is also part of the fortress.
The Churburg acquired its present character as a magnificent Renaissance residence in the 16th century. The magnificent frescoes in the central corridor of the arcade courtyard also date from this time. A family tree of the Counts of Matsch and Trapp winds its way across the entire vault, interspersed with scenes from Aesop's fables. The Jacob's room, named after Jakob Trapp VII, is also lavishly furnished; a special treasure here is an intarsia-decorated house organ from 1559, one of the oldest playable keyboard instruments.
The highlight of any castle tour is undoubtedly the world-famous armory, the largest private and in its original state preserved armory in the world. It contains countless extremely valuable and artistic, partly "made-to-measure" armor as well as weapons from several centuries. The centerpiece of the collection is an over 2 m tall and 45 kg heavy armor, which was made around 1450 in a Milanese armor workshop for Ulrich IX. von Matsch. Another special attraction for visitors are the annual knight's games at the Churburg, the largest in the entire Alpine region, which take place every August.
The Churburg is open from mid-March to the end of October.
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