Starhemberg


The House of Starhemberg is an old and distinguished Austrian noble family of princely rank and historically sovereign status. The family originated in Upper Austria, specifically in the region of Steyr and Steinbach. Members of the family played an important political role within the Holy Roman Empire and later in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. As one of a small number of mediatized houses, the House of Starhemberg belongs to the High nobility.

History

The Starhembergs are one of the 12 so-called "Apostle Houses", i.e. the oldest and most prominent noble families in Austria, already established during the early Babenberg rule of Austria. These families were considered part of the ancient landed nobility and played a central role in regional politics and society. In addition to them, other prominent noble houses included the House of Liechtenstein, Fürstenberg, Abensperg und Traun, Stubenberg, Zinzendorf und Pottendorf, Salm, and Collalto, among others.
The first known member Gundaker I von Steyr was mentioned in the 12th century, as a ministerial of the Otakar dynasty that ruled over the Duchy of Styria. In 1150, he married Richezza von Steinbach, and through her he inherited Steinbach in 1160.
They were made imperial counts in 1643 by Emperor Ferdinand III, and were later raised to princely rank in 1765 by Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor.
In 1806, the Princes of Starhemberg lost their sovereign independence through the mediatisation initiated by Napoleon, but were allowed to retain equality of birth with other reigning families, important for marriage purposes. The family belongs to the small circle of high nobility, and their Starhemberg Palace in Eferding, Upper Austria, includes a museum about the family's history.

Mediatized Princes of Starhemberg

Camillo, 4th Prince

Notable family members