At the foot of Lamberg Castle, a Gothic archway blocks the way to the former palace. People call it Unteres Burgtor (Lower Castle Gate). A fresco depicting two emperors and a medieval view of the town adorns the structure. [German]
The town view of Steyr
Although the two knights dominate the picture, I find the view of the town in the background more interesting. It shows the city of Steyr with its wall and large town gate. Look carefully: The depiction of the gate tower shows similar knights on its facade!
Two emperors as knights
The two knights represent none other than Emperor Frederick III and his son Maximilian I. Their depiction makes ua it think of a legend where a duel between two knights has determined the castle’s location.
Otto Götzinger
Although the fresco illustrates old motifs, it doesn’t show up until after the Second World War. Otto Götzinger, a restorer and painter, created it in 1949. Before, there had already been a similar depiction of two knights on the old Mauthäusl (toll house).
Sources / More info
- Schloss Lamberg (Wikipedia)
- Frederick III (Wikipedia)
- Maximilian I (Wikipedia)