For many centuries, the Herberstein
family served in different countries owned by the Habsburg dynasty. They started
as vassals of princely estates, continued in leading administrative and military
positions and finally completed their role in the field of diplomacy.
They
were highly esteemed imperial and ducal court stewards, senior civil servants,
privy- and war-councillors, and even state ministers. There was hardly a war
without at least one of the 400 known male bearers of the name Herberstein
taking part, and no other family was able to boast six provincial governors in
Styria.
Among the familiy members you find mathematicians, professors of philosophy,
grammar and world history, and six bishops. Through the specific acquisition of
new estates and favorable marriages in the 14th and 15th century, the position
of the familiy was strengthened once again.
In 1537, the family was elevated to the barony, the rank of count was
conferred upon them in 1644, and in 1710, they were raised to imperial counts.
For more than 700 years, the family has remained ad its ancestral seat and
gradually transformed Herberstein into one of the greatest castles in Styria.
Today the 21th generation of the Herberstein family lives in this magnificent
castle. |
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