Starhemberg

The House of Starhemberg (German pronunciation: [ˈʃtaːʁəmbɛʁk]) is old and distinguished Austrian noble family originating in Upper Austria, specifically Steyr and Steinbach. Members of the family played 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 family belongs to the High nobility (ancient nobility).

The Starhembergs are one of the 12 so-called "Apostle Houses", i.e. the families which had already played a historical role during the period of Babenberg rule of Austria (976 to 1246). In addition to them, there were also House of Liechtenstein, Fürstenberg, Abensperg und Traun etc.

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 (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, and their Starhemberg Palace (German: Schloss Starhemberg) in Eferding, Upper Austria, includes a museum about the family's history.