Lienzer Klause

Hermitage LIENZER KLAUSE

The hermitage of Lienz was built by the bishops of Brixen in 1240 as a defensive wall against the Counts of Görz. One can imagine that the Counts of Görz, whose power center was in Lienz just a few kilometers away from this facility, were only moderately enthusiastic about it. They eventually allied themselves with the Counts of Tyrol and the Dukes of Andechs-Meran. Together, they managed to capture the hermitage through armed force. After the extinction of the Görz family, East Tyrol passed into the Habsburg Empire. "The Lienzer Klause" lost its significance.

After Emperor Joseph II ordered the dismantling of all fortresses (except Kufstein) in 1782, the castle fell into disrepair until it was eventually purchased by two farmers from the surrounding area.

Several years would pass before the "Lienzer Klause" faced a test. In late summer 1809, when Napoleon's troops under the command of General Rusca invaded, they were repelled by the insurgent Tyrolean defenders at the Lienzer Klause. Albin Egger-Lienz immortalized this battle on August 8, 1809, in his famous painting "The Cross".

In 1959, work began on the gradual restoration of "the Lienzer Klause". In 2002, the upper tower collapsed. The process of preservation and restoration continued until 2011. Today, a themed path with information about the development history of the facility can be found in the hermitage.

Opening hours:
Outdoor area - always accessible. Tours available at: lienzer.klause@gmx.at