Stadtschlaining | The Old Synagogue and Schlaining Castle

Stadtschlaining in southern Burgenland was once a major Jewish center and is home to an ancient synagogue and the impressive Schlaining Castle, now the European Museum for Peace. Founded in the 13th century by the Güssing noble family, the castle stands on a prominent hill at 378 meters above sea level, near the Austrian-Hungarian border. Its strategic location along the historic Amber Road adds to its historical significance.

The town of Stadtschlaining is located in southern Burgenland, on the way to the city of Graz. The small town has a long Jewish history. Jewish settlement in the town began as early as the 17th century. Over the years, a synagogue was established in the town, and community life was very active. The Second World War and the Holocaust led to the destruction of Jewish life in the town of Schlaining. The synagogue was destroyed during the Holocaust but was restored and served as the library of the European Peace Center, and today it serves as a venue for exhibitions. Besides the synagogue, the town also has several ancient Jewish cemeteries.

In the heart of the town, there is an ancient castle, Schlaining Castle, which also serves as the European Museum for Peace.

Schlaining Castle – European Peace Center

Schlaining Castle first appears in ancient writings from 1271, where it is stated that it was owned by the Dukes of Güssing. In the 15th century, the castle passed into the hands of the legendary knight Andreas Baumkircher, and thanks to him, it became a strong and fortified stronghold. Around this time, the town of Schlaining emerged as a prosperous trading center. In the mid-16th century, the Hungarian noble family Batthyány acquired the castle. Finally, in the 19th century, the castle reverted to Hungary following its last owner’s execution.

Since 2000, the castle has housed the European Museum for Peace. The museum has a complex of 4000 meters with special exhibitions on the theme of peace around the world. Guided tours are held on site.

This is what Schlaining Castle looks like

The Old Synagogue in the Town

The synagogue in Schlaining has existed since the 18th century. On Kristallnacht, fire and violence destroyed the synagogue, leaving it ruined and abandoned for decades. In the 1980s, the Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution purchased and renovated the synagogue and the rabbi’s house. The synagogue now serves as the Peace Center’s library and hosts its exhibitions.

The synagogue stands right next to the castle, and visitors can include it as part of a visit to the Peace Museum’s exhibitions. The current exhibition focuses on Jewish life in Burgenland in the past.

Exhibitions at the European Museum for Peace

In the castle and its adjacent buildings, there are a variety of exhibitions. The recommended exhibitions are:

The History of Schlaining Castle: In the castle’s cellar, there is an exhibition on the history of the building, its architecture, the weapons in it, and life in the castle during the Middle Ages.
Burgenland from 1921 onwards: In this exhibition, you can learn about the political, economic, and cultural development of the state of Burgenland over the last hundred years.
Schlaining and Peace: This exhibition deals with the activities of the Austrian Study Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution from its inception to the present day.
Burgenland Today: An exhibition on the subject of energy and the energy transformation that Burgenland has undergone in recent years through the increased use of wind energy.
The Old Synagogue: An exhibition dealing with the Jewish community of Burgenland and Jewish life in this region.