Gars am Kamp Castle stands as one of Austria's oldest castles, built between 1120 and 1130 as a residence for the noble Babenberger family, including Leopold II and Leopold III. Located in a hilltop complex south of Horn in Lower Austria, the castle's terraced layout descends in three levels along the river, featuring the main castle on the highest level enclosed by a ring wall, 13th-century fortifications on the middle plateau, and an outer bailey on the lowest level. A partially restored Renaissance wing and a gatehouse chapel dating to around 1100 add to its historical richness. Today, the grounds host spectacular summer opera festivals that fill the ancient walls with music, drawing visitors from across the region.
