Castle Kamen (Frauenstein)

Castle Kamen, now only barely visible ruins, is located on the slopes near Adergas. Its rich history dates back to the Middle Ages when the area belonged to the provincial prince. The castle played a significant role in protecting the Dominican convent in Adergas, serving as a refuge for nuns during times of danger.

History

Castle Kamen was inhabited in the 12th century by knights closely connected to the Andechs ministerial Meinhard Schabab of Kokra. It was first mentioned in 1359 as the "court by St. Margaret." In the 15th century, Turkish invasions caused significant damage, and the last lord of the Frauensteiner family died in captivity in 1473.

In 1533, Emperor Ferdinand approved the castle's renovation, granting it castle rights and renaming it Frauenstein ("Lady's Stone"). The castle was fortified with walls, towers, and a moat, serving as both a refuge and a storage place for the Dominican convent's treasures.

Architecture

The castle featured a central tower, walls with three or four corner towers, and a deep defensive moat. The walls were up to two meters thick in places. Later, a significant Renaissance fortification on the eastern side was added to the castle complex.

Decline and Preservation

By the 18th century, the castle was abandoned, and its stones were repurposed for the construction of a new convent in 1732. Today, only the foundations of the walls remain, which have been cleared and preserved by a local enthusiast since 2015.

Despite its decline, Castle Kamen remains an important part of Adergas's history, reflecting the connection between knighthood, the Dominican convent, and the region's rich cultural heritage.