Wanderlust whispers as we approach Bezirk Feldkirch. This Austrian district bordering Liechtenstein and Switzerland, is more than just a spot on the map. It’s a medieval tapestry woven with history. Bezirk Feldkirch is the second most populous town in Vorarlberg. It stands as a testament to time.
Feldkirch’s story begins in 1218. Count Hugo von Montfort built Schattenburg Castle. This castle remains the major landmark of Bezirk Feldkirch. The town itself boasts a well-preserved medieval townscape. Its geometric grid system, dating back to 1200, adds to its charm. Around 1500, the city wall was rebuilt. Since then, the city has remained largely unchanged.
Imagine life within those walls. Four gates once guarded Bezirk Feldkirch. Bregenzertor, Bludenzertor, Milltor, and Churertor controlled access. Only Milltor and Churertor still stand. The others fell with the city wall in the early 19th century.
Consider the Katzenturm. This defense tower was built in 1507. Emperor Maximilian I ordered its construction. People also call it Dicker Turm. It is an 8-storey round tower that is 40 m high. The Katzenturm protected the city wall’s Hirschgraben. In the 17th century, they added a bell room. The “Maria Rochus” bell is the biggest in Vorarlberg. It weighs 8.5 tons. A restored image of the Virgin Mary adorns the tower. Interestingly, its name might come from the heavy artillery it once held. These cannons had lion’s heads. People popularly referred to them as “cats”.
Schattenburg Castle dominates the skyline. It was home to the Counts of Montfort until 1390. Hugo I of Montfort began construction around 1230. Count Friedrich von Toggenburg oversaw extensions in the 15th century. The town of Bezirk Feldkirch acquired the castle in 1825 for 833 florins. It served as barracks and poor housing. The Museum and Homeland Security Association saved it. Today, it houses a local history museum. About 25,000 visitors explore it yearly.
Do not miss Palais Liechtenstein. It was rebuilt after the fire of 1697. Prince Johann Adam Andreas of Liechtenstein used it as an office. In 1848, Andreas Ritter of Tschavoll acquired it. He was a mayor and manufacturer. The town owns it since 1967. Today, it serves as an exhibition center and houses the city library and archives.
Feldkirch has a vibrant cultural scene. The Montforter Zwischentöne festival occurs three times a year. It explores social and personal development. The Poolbar Festival is a modern music and cultural event. It attracts around 20,000 visitors every July and August. Lichtstadt Feldkirch is a light art festival. International artists fill the city with light. The POTENTIALe is an art fair and festival. It promotes sustainable design.
The Irish writer James Joyce has a special connection to Bezirk Feldkirch. In World War I, authorities mistook him for a spy. He saw this event as fateful. It influenced his work. He stayed at Hotel Löwen in 1932. He worked on Finnegans Wake. Joyce himself said Ulysses was linked to Bezirk Feldkirch.
Today, Bezirk Feldkirch balances history and modernity. The Feldkirch Municipal Ensemble is an Austrian Cultural Heritage site. The city is also a member of the Association of Small Historic Towns.
As our tour ends, remember Bezirk Feldkirch. Its medieval charm, cultural vibrancy, and historical significance make it an unforgettable destination.