Feldkirch, Vorarlberg

Feldkirch (German pronunciation: [ˈfɛltkɪʁç] ⓘ) is a town in the western Austrian state of Vorarlberg, bordering on Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

This medieval town, which remains well preserved to this day, was mentioned as a city for the first time in 1218, after Count Hugo von Montfort built the "Schattenburg", a castle which still is the major landmark of Feldkirch.

The Battle of Feldkirch occurred on 23 March, when André Masséna and 12,000 Frenchmen were beaten by Franjo Jelačić and a force of 5,500 Austrians.

The station is served by Railjet long-distance services to Zurich HB, Wien Hbf, Budapest Keleti and Bratislava-Petržalka and regional trains of Vorarlberg S-Bahn.

It is a public venue for cultural activities like balls, trade fairs, concerts and theatre performances.

[5] The streets of the Schlossgraben, Hirschgraben and St. Leonhardsplatz marked the former course of the city wall surrounding the Neustadt area in the 13th century.

These city gates were called Bregenzertor or Nikolaustor, Bludenzertor or Schultor, Milltor or Sautor, and Churertor or Salztor.

The bell is the biggest in Vorarlberg(as of 2022) and weighs 8,5 t. The tower has an image of the Virgin Mary restored by Florus Scheel in the 19th century.

[8][9] In the 19th century the Feldkirch bourgeoisie built a number of prestigious residential buildings, most of which are still privately owned.

Held annually in July and August, it attracts around 20,000 visitors; it features music, exhibitions, poetry slams, fashion and an architectural prize.

In addition to a vintage market, there are workshops and discussion groups, a design laboratory, photography exhibitions, and music and films are presented.

The aim of the festival is to establish a network of artists, craftsmen and customers that share the common vision of sustainable design.

"[20]Chapter XII of Cecil Roberts' novel Victoria, Four-Thirty (published 1937) takes place in Feldkirch.

Market place in the city of Feldkirch
The renovated Montforthaus in the historic city centre of Feldkirch
The Schattenburg in Feldkirch
Weekly market in the Marktgasse