The House of Starhemberg (German pronunciation: [ˈʃtaːʁəmbɛʁk]) is the name of an old and distinguished Austrian noble family originating from Upper Austria, specifically Steyr and Steinbach.[1] Members of the family played important political role within the Holy Roman Empire and later in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
County (Principality) of Starhemberg Grafschaft (Fürstentum) Starhemberg | |||||||
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1643–1806 | |||||||
Status | State of the Holy Roman Empire | ||||||
Capital | Starhemberg | ||||||
Government | Principality | ||||||
Historical era | Early modern period | ||||||
1140–45 | |||||||
1643 | |||||||
• Raised to principality | 1765 | ||||||
1806 | |||||||
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The first known member Gundaker I von Steyr was mentioned in the 12th century. In 1150, he married Richezza von Steinbach (Richezza nobilis matrona de Steinpach), and through her he inherited Steinbach in 1160. They were made imperial counts (Reichsgrafen) in 1643 by Emperor Ferdinand III, and were later raised to princely rank (Reichsfürsten) 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,[2] and their Starhemberg Palace (German: Schloss Starhemberg) in Eferding, Upper Austria, includes a museum about the family's history.