Photo: Tourismusverband Oststeiermark · Christine Pollhammer

Ruine Stubegg

Passail, Styria

The Stubegg Castle ruins (Ruine Stubegg) were founded in the 13th century by the 'Stubenberger' family and have been inherited only within this family, making it the only castle in Styria (Steiermark) with such a history. Around 1600, it was the largest secular estate in Styria. In the 17th century, the castle was fortified due to the Turkish threat, and a chapel dedicated to St. Anthony was built. Around 1830, the castle was covered for tax reasons and left to decay; a sketch from 1863 already shows it as a ruin. Starting in 1975, the association 'Burgspiele Stubegg' began renovating the ruins and constructing a stage and audience area. Until the 2010s, theater performances were held here in the summer. Next to the castle is the estate 'Meierhof Schloßmoar,' which housed the primary school of the municipality of Arzberg until 1986. Today, it is a residential building.