Feldkirch, Austria, the city

In the western region of Austria, Vorarlberg (Vorarlberg), on the banks of the river Ill (Ill) is the town of Feldkirch (Feldkirch). From here to the capital city of Vienna is far, 660 kilometers, and to the border with Liechtenstein - just 3 kilometers. The old streets of the mountain scenery is literally charm.
The town was first mentioned in chronicles under the name Veldkirihum in 830, but since 1190 belongs to the Counts of Montfort. The status of the city he received in 1812, and the end of the XIV century became part of the Habsburg Empire. During severe fire in 1697 the city was very badly damaged, injured thousands of people, but most of the houses survived, and today they give the city a medieval mystery.
Tourists are attracted to the city of Feldkirch, not only of its churches and museums, of which there are many, but the ski resorts on the nearby mountain slopes. The city itself also has a cozy and very cheap hotels, shops and restaurants. There are rentals where you can rent vehicles, not just a car but a bicycle.
At the time of graphs Montfort, in 1260 the hill was built the castle Shattenburg (Schattenburg), the main historical relic of the city and its character. During construction I watched Hugh Montfort, and the castle for many years served as the residence of the Counts family. Overgrown trees, the castle has an impressive appearance. Underneath the car is laid tunnel.
The appearance of the building has changed somewhat in the XVI century, with the assistance of Count Friedrich von Tottenburga, as well as court officials Hans von Kinigsegga. On the walls of the castle there were magnificent frescoes that have survived to this day. In the XVII century, the city seized the Swedes and the owners paid a substantial ransom Shattenburga to avoid damage. In the XIX century the castle was a prison, with cameras and a room for the prisoners for interrogation. At the beginning of the XX century, the City decided to turn an old building into a museum, the largest of the local history museum in Austria. Now here assembled a unique collection of antique weapons, exhibits on the history of the city. For tourists made an observation deck with a magnificent view.
The Gothic Cathedral of St. Nicholas (Dom St. Nikolaus) - the second major attraction of the city. Since 1968, the city is the Cathedral of the Diocese. And it was built in 1218 and served as an ordinary parish church. The church has suffered several times from the fire, but each time it was reduced. Architect Hans Shturne in 1478 made a gable roof, and next eleven years later built the bell tower. At the beginning of the XX century appeared in the chapel altar in the pseudo-Gothic style. Later, this created a monument to fallen soldiers, designed by architect Clemens Holtsmaysterom. Cathedral of St. Nicholas, and the townspeople revere it is always crowded, especially on weekends.Another old, has come down to the present day structure - a tower Kattsentrum, formerly part of the fortified city walls, overlooking the city center. Noteworthy Street Marktgasse with unique homes, which for several hundred years. They are well preserved, having passed through the fires of war. Among the noteworthy museums Motorrad-Museum, which contains a collection of motorcycles, the story of each of which is somewhat remarkable. There is also a museum of radio and tour of the brewery «Frastanz», where you can taste excellent local beer, which is the continued popularity among tourists.
Feldkirch - located in a variety of traditional activities. The Wine Festival is held at 7.2 C 30.6, and from 4.29 to 01.05 - Fair wine, where you can buy unique varieties of the drink. But the tradition of the city - is not only wine event. And festivals are held here, and musical theater, contemporary art and fashion presented at the annual fair Artdesign, under way in November. In late November, starts the Christmas market, where for the upcoming holidays, you can buy gifts and sweets.The climate is temperate in Feldkirch, winter cold and snow a lot, that pleases skiers. In the summer - sunny and warm, although there is no specific heat. Rains a bit and they go long. Feldkirch attractive at first sight and a lot of fun.