Prösels Castle

He was the administrator of the salt mines of Hall in Tirol, a highly profitable position, furthermore he was married three times to wealthy noblewomen, which enabled him to spend extravagantly on the expansion of his castle.

[3] During the Peasants' War of 1525 the castle was briefly occupied by the revolting subservient farmers, who burnt all the documents in the vain hope of destroying all proof of their debts and tithes.

To deflect blame placed on him by his subjects for a high infant mortality rate, Leonhard found nine women, had them tortured and after they confessed burnt at the stake for witchcraft.

Between 1860 and 1978 the castle changed hands no fewer than 14 times, suffering periods of decay followed by attempted restoration before finally being abandoned to its fate.

[4] Guided visits are available during the summer months and during the Christmas holidays, various cultural events are held here including concerts, exhibitions and theatrical performances.

Prösels Castle
The family coats of arms depicted in a fresco in the castle. The column on a red background in two of the quarters is that of the powerful Roman Colonna family and was introduced by Leonhard von Völs (1458–1530) who claimed membership of the family and styled himself Leonhard Colonna, barone di Fiè. (See storiaital.pdf (in Italian) , from the castle’s website)
Prösels Castle