Furstenstein

Also known as Fürstenstein

The Furstenstein (Prince's Stone) near Karnburg in Carinthia is one of the most unusual political artifacts in Central Europe: an ancient Roman column base that became the throne on which Carinthian dukes were formally installed as rulers from around the 7th century until 1414.

The Furstenstein near Karnburg, Carinthia, is a repurposed Roman column base that served as the throne for Carinthian ducal investiture ceremonies from the 7th to the 15th century. The ceremony required the new duke to appear in peasant clothing and receive approval from assembled free peasants, one of medieval Europe’s few documented examples of popular consent in a ruler’s installation. Free and always accessible outdoor site near Maria Saal, approximately 10 km north of Klagenfurt. Combine with the Herzogsburg at Maria Saal for the full investiture context.