Pfeilburg Castle

Experience city and contemporary history up close

In the Pfeilburg, the oldest secular building in Fürstenfeld, the "Kruzitürken Museum" impressively presents the changing history of the border town Fürstenfeld, from its origins as a fortified city through its development as a craft and trading center to the first half of the 20th century. Additional appeal comes from the special collections of citizens from Fürstenfeld.

The Pfeilburg

• The Pfeilburg is part of the medieval city wall in Fürstenfeld, with its residential tower originating from the 13th century.
• Expanded in the 16th century when the fortification was constructed according to the plans of the Italian Domenico dell'Allio.
• Two-story pillar arcades, bay windows from the Renaissance period, a smoke kitchen, stucco ceilings, and wonderful vaults.
• At the end of the 17th century, it became the first tobacco factory in Austria; since 1725 it has been owned by the city; from 1782 it served as a school, and in the 19th and 20th centuries as a barracks, military hospital, and poor house.
• Comprehensive renovation took place from 1996 to 1999.

New life breathed into it

The Pfeilburg - one of the oldest buildings in the city of Fürstenfeld - dates back to the 13th century and is part of the well-preserved fortification complex from the 16th century. The Museum Association Fürstenfeld saved the Pfeilburg from demolition in 1975. With donations and public funds, significant parts of the building were preserved. After decades of efforts by the museum association, a comprehensive renovation and revitalization of the Pfeilburg was carried out from 1995 to 1999 on behalf of the city. Approximately 1.8 million euros were invested in the listed building.

The Pfeilburg Museum is one of the city's most attractive sights. The changing history of the city is documented in a total of 14 exhibition rooms, from its origins as a fortified city through its development as a crafts and trading center to the mid-20th century. A variety of exhibits and models illustrate the city's journey through the centuries. Lectures on contemporary historical topics are also regularly scheduled throughout the year.

Awarded the Austrian Museum Prize for its valuable collection and special presentation techniques, the Pfeilburg Museum conveys city and contemporary history across three floors and approximately 700 square meters of exhibition space. Located close to the main square and directly at the fortification wall, the charming Pfeilburg courtyard is also used for concerts, festivals, and open-air events.

The City and Tobacco Museum

Two permanent exhibitions are dedicated to two historically significant topics related to Fürstenfeld. Under the title "Kruzitürken Museum," the time of military incursions by Turks and Kuruzzen is documented. The "Tobacco Museum," on the other hand, focuses on tobacco processing, which significantly shaped the economic life of the city and the region of Fürstenfeld until the most recent past. The first tobacco factory in Austria was established in the Pfeilburg in Fürstenfeld as early as 1693, making it one of the oldest in the world. Valuable exhibits from the former Tobacco Museum in Vienna are also presented here. Additionally, the Pfeilburg Museum addresses specific Fürstenfeld collections and topics in special exhibitions.

Archive and Depot

The Pfeilburg Museum also serves as an information and documentation center for questions about the history of the city of Fürstenfeld. There are subject-specific collaborations with institutions, with schools, and cooperation with universities and colleges. The archive and depot also play a significant role in the museum. Historically interesting materials are often entrusted to the museum by the population for archiving or special exhibitions.

Fortification Path Fürstenfeld

The Fortification Path Fürstenfeld, which opened in 2013, stretches 3.5 kilometers around the city center surrounded by impressive defensive walls. In 2018, the circular walk was expanded with three new stations. The Pfeilburg Fürstenfeld is the perfect starting point!

http://www.museum-pfeilburg.at/