“Was it really an Allied bomber that struck Tisis on that fateful day?” A question that echoes through the years, a stark reminder of a tragedy that befell this part of Feldkirch. Tisis, a district bordering Liechtenstein, carries a history far deeper than its peaceful facade suggests.
Imagine Tisis as it was centuries ago. It began as a humble farming settlement in the early 13th century. The oldest part of Tisis is Heiligenkreuz. Jewish families settled there between 1635 and 1640.
Great parts of Tisis belonged to the Jesuits. They shaped the strongly Catholic farming community for a long time. In the first half of the 20th century, the Catholic teacher training college played an important role. Later the Landeskrankenhaus Feldkirch became important.
Now, cast your mind back to October 1, 1943. Feldkirch became an alternative target, when a bomber squadron couldn’t find a Messerschmitt factory near Augsburg due to bad weather. Tisis suffered terribly. A bomb struck a military hospital killing more than 100 people. It was a devastating loss.
Tisis offers more than just somber memories. The old Church of St. Michael is one of the oldest religious buildings in the region. It once served as a parish church for nearby communities. Interestingly, St. Michael’s has a small ossuary in the cemetery wall. It is a rare feature for Vorarlberg churches. Inside the Romanesque church, you can find centuries-old tombstones.
The border crossing in Tisis became significant in March 1938. It was one of the last escape routes to Liechtenstein and Switzerland. A woman named Hilde Meisel was shot here in 1945.
Tisis today also boasts the Church of the Holy Family. The Antonius Chapel provides a quieter place for reflection. You can also find a primary school, library, kindergartens, and local businesses.
Don’t forget the Tisis railway station. It links the town to the wider region via the Feldkirch-Buchs railway line.
Tisis is more than just a place on a map. It is a place of faith, community, and resilience. Tisis is a reminder of the past. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of its people. It is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.