The Prägrad Castle ruins are located in the immediate vicinity of the village of Prägrad. They lie on a rocky outcrop above the marshy valley floor between Feldkirchen and Lake Ossiach. The Prägrad Castle ruins are the ruins of a hilltop castle, and based on its location, they are considered to be a hillside castle.
Of the once much more extensive complex, the pentagonal Romanesque keep has been relatively well preserved thanks to its excellent masonry technique. The four-story tower dates from the first half of the 12th century. The remaining components, built in the 14th and 15th centuries, have almost completely disappeared. Only a few remains of the walls are hidden in the bushes. The entire complex is surrounded by dense young forest. Clearing the area would enhance the ruins considerably and at least delay their further deterioration. The valley castle at the foot of the castle hill no longer exists. It was demolished in 1967.
The name "Prägrad" is Slavic and means something like "area in front of the castle" or "outer bailey." It was first documented in 1166.
The ruins, along with the surrounding forests, have belonged to the Buttazoni family for decades. The ruins are freely accessible at all times.