GET TO KNOW VILLACH – PART 1: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE CITY’S HISTORY

Villach is a city steeped in history, filled with numerous fascinating episodes that have played a crucial role in shaping it into what it is today. This three-part blog series tells selected chapters of Villach’s past in a concise and vivid way – supported by short videos from the official interactive city tour. The result is an entertaining and visually striking look at the most important milestones in Villach’s urban development.

Part one of this series focuses on key stages in the city’s development and highlights Villach’s most formative historical moments – from natural disasters and city fires to political turning points and economic booms.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CITY

Who is better to guide through Villach’s history than Paracelsus – the famous 16th-century physician, alchemist, and philosopher who grew up here? In the following video, he shares stories about the city’s origins and its development over the centuries:

THE EAGLE IN VILLACH’S COAT OF ARMS

A striking feature of Villach’s city seal – and the oldest city coat of arms in Austria – is the eagle’s claw on a rock. But where does this symbol come from, and what does it reveal about the city’s identity?

VILLACH – CITY ON THE DRAU

The Drau, Carinthia’s longest river, continues to shape Villach’s appearance today. As early as the Middle Ages, it served as an important route for transport and trade – and was thus a key driver of the city’s economic development:

EARTHQUAKE AND THE REBUILDING OF THE CITY WALL

Natural disasters have also left a lasting mark on Villach. The devastating earthquake of 1348 in particular destroyed large parts of the city and its fortifications. The painstaking reconstruction took many years:

THE GREAT FIRE AND THE RENAISSANCE BOOM

One of the most dramatic events was the great city fire in the 16th century, which destroyed numerous medieval townhouses. Yet from this destruction – aided by the economic upswing of the time – a new architectural identity emerged:

VILLACH AS PART OF THE HABSBURG EMPIRE

For centuries, Villach was under the rule of the Bishopric of Bamberg until it became part of the Habsburg Monarchy in the 18th century. The influence of the Habsburgs can still be seen in Villach today:

LIFE WITH THE DRAU – AND ITS MOODS

The Drau has always been a source of prosperity for Villach – but also a constant challenge. Floods have repeatedly caused severe damage, most recently during the widespread inundations of 1965 and 1966:

Villach’s history is full of twists and turns: it tells of natural forces, political upheavals, and economic growth. In the second part of this blog series, the focus shifts to the city’s landmarks and significant buildings – showing how Villach’s past is reflected in its architecture.