When was Schloss Thalheim built?

The core Altschloss dates to the 17th century. Extensions were added in the 18th century and in the late 19th century (residential wing). The estate is a U-shaped Baroque complex preserved in the village of Kapelln an der Perschling, Lower Austria.

Who designed the Schloss Thalheim chapel?

The chapel was designed in the High Baroque style by Jakob Prandtauer (1660–1726), the architect of Melk Abbey. Prandtauer married at Schloss Thalheim on 21 July 1692, when he wed the castle owner's court lady.

What is the architectural style of Schloss Thalheim?

Schloss Thalheim is a Baroque castle estate. The Altschloss and domestic wing date to the 17th century and are Baroque in character. The Khevenhüller coat of arms is preserved above the main entrance. Later additions include an 18th-century extension and a residential wing added in the late 19th century.

What is the Khevenhüller connection to Schloss Thalheim?

The Khevenhüller emblem is preserved above the main entrance to Schloss Thalheim, indicating the noble family's historic ownership of the estate.

Schloss Thalheim

History & Architecture

Schloss Thalheim was built in the 17th century and extended several times over the following centuries. The estate today forms a U-shaped ensemble of buildings from different historical periods — the old castle, domestic wing, and residential wing combine to create an architecturally layered whole.

Schloss Thalheim — Baroque castle in Kapelln an der Perschling

Origins

The castle was built in the 17th century in the Baroque style. Its location in a gentle valley — the name Thalheim derives from Thal (valley) — in Lower Austria shaped the design: the building sits within the topography, surrounded by terraced slopes and gardens.

The original structure, the so-called Altschloss (old castle), follows the Baroque architecture typical of the region, with high hipped roofs and clearly articulated facades. The estate sits at the geographical centre of Lower Austria, close to the Danube and the Wachau valley.

Extensions

In the 18th century, the castle was extended with a domestic wing that accommodated the operational functions of the estate. At the end of the 19th century, a further significant addition — a residential wing — completed the U-shaped ground plan visible today.

The castle has a documented connection to the Khevenhüller family, whose emblem is preserved above the main entrance. This heraldic detail documents the noble history of the estate and remains visible to this day.

Jakob Prandtauer & the Chapel

The castle chapel was designed in the High Baroque style by Jakob Prandtauer (1660–1726). Prandtauer is best known as the architect of Melk Abbey — one of the most significant Baroque buildings in the world. He began his career as a mason and stonemason in Lower Austria before becoming one of the most sought-after architects of his era.

Prandtauer married at Schloss Thalheim on 21 July 1692, when he wed the court lady of the castle's then-owner. This documented connection to the estate gives the chapel a particular historical significance within the context of Austrian Baroque architecture.

The chapel retains its original High Baroque spatial character and serves today as a space for ceremonies, meditation, and concerts.

The Former Riding Hall

The castle's riding hall was converted during the modern restoration into the Festsaal (Grand Hall). The spacious room accommodates up to 300 persons and is used for conferences, concerts, gala events, weddings, and seminars. The structural character of the former riding hall remains legible in the architecture of the hall.

The Stables

The historic Marstall — the castle's stable building — now houses the Restaurant Am Schlossgarten. The conversion retained the character of the building and integrates the restaurant within the historic fabric of the ensemble.

Restoration

The modern restoration of the entire estate was carried out with the goal of preserving the historic building fabric while enabling contemporary use. All interventions were undertaken with regard for the heritage value of the building ensemble. Original materials, spatial proportions, and architectural details were retained wherever possible.

The gardens were restored according to the original 17th-century design. The Baroque garden, terraced slopes, and rose garden reflect the historic garden architecture of the estate.