Jump to content

Villach: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 46°37′N 13°51′E / 46.617°N 13.850°E / 46.617; 13.850
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m ce
Replacing Villach_altstadt.jpg with File:Villach_-_Draubrücke_mit_Blick_zur_Altstadt-_2005.jpg (by CommonsDelinker because: File renamed: Criterion 4 (harmonizing names of file set)).
 
(45 intermediate revisions by 33 users not shown)
Line 2: Line 2:
| name = Villach
| name = Villach
| native_name =
| native_name =
| settlement_type =
| settlement_type = [[Statutory city (Austria)|Statutory city]]
<!-- Images -->
<!-- Images -->
| image_skyline = Villach panorama.jpg
| image_skyline = Villach panorama.jpg
| imagesize = 300px
| imagesize = 300px
| image_caption = Drava riverside
| image_caption = Drava riverside
| image_flag = Flag of Villach.gif
| image_shield = Villach CoA.svg
| image_shield = Villach CoA.svg
| shield_size = 80x110px
| shield_size = 80x110px
Line 14: Line 15:
| pushpin_mapsize = 270
| pushpin_mapsize = 270
| pushpin_map_caption = Location within Austria
| pushpin_map_caption = Location within Austria
| pushpin_relief = 1
| pushpin_relief =
| image_map = Oesterreich kaernten-VI.png
| image_map = Oesterreich kaernten-VI.png
| mapsize = 260x260px
| mapsize = 260x260px
Line 65: Line 66:
}}
}}


'''Villach''' ({{IPA-de|ˈfɪlax|-|Villach.ogg}}; {{lang-sl|Beljak}}, {{lang-it|Villaco}}, {{lang-fur|Vilac}}) is the seventh-largest city in Austria and the second-largest in the federal state of [[Carinthia (state)|Carinthia]]. It is an important [[Junction (traffic)|traffic junction]] for southern Austria and the whole [[Alpe-Adria]] region. {{As of|2018|01}}, the population is 61,887.<ref name = "stat">{{cite web
'''Villach''' ({{IPA|de|ˈfɪlax|-|De-Villach.ogg}}; {{langx|sl|Beljak}}; {{langx|it|Villaco}}; {{langx|fur|Vilac}}) is the seventh-largest city in [[Austria]] and the second-largest in the federal state of [[Carinthia (state)|Carinthia]]. It is an important [[Junction (traffic)|traffic junction]] for southern Austria and the whole [[Alpe-Adria]] region. {{As of|2018|01}}, the population is 61,887.<ref name = "stat">{{cite web
| url = http://www.statistik.at/blickgem/pr1/g20201.pdf
| url = http://www.statistik.at/blickgem/pr1/g20201.pdf
| title = Einwohnerzahl und Komponenten der Bevölkerungsentwicklung (''Population and Components of Population Growth'')
| title = Einwohnerzahl und Komponenten der Bevölkerungsentwicklung (''Population and Components of Population Growth'')
| publisher = Statistik Österreich (English Version)
| publisher = Statistik Österreich (English Version)
| date = 2007-11-29
| date = 2007-11-29
| accessdate = 2007-12-27
| access-date = 2007-12-27
| language = German
| language = de
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


Line 85: Line 86:
|-
|-
| valign="top" |
| valign="top" |
* Bogenfeld ({{lang-sl|Vognje Polje}})
* Bogenfeld ({{langx|sl|Vognje Polje}})
* Dobrova (''Dobrova'')
* Dobrova (''Dobrova'')
* Drautschen (''Dravče'')
* Drautschen (''Dravče'')
Line 232: Line 233:
|Dec sun=73.2
|Dec sun=73.2
|source = ''Zamg.ac.at''<ref name="Zamg.ac.at">{{cite web
|source = ''Zamg.ac.at''<ref name="Zamg.ac.at">{{cite web
|url=http://www.zamg.ac.at/fix/klima/oe71-00/klima2000/klimadaten_oesterreich_1971_frame1.htm}}</ref>
|url=http://www.zamg.ac.at/fix/klima/oe71-00/klima2000/klimadaten_oesterreich_1971_frame1.htm|title=Klimadaten von Österreich 1971 - 2000}}</ref>
}}
}}


Line 240: Line 241:


When about 740 Prince [[Boruth]] enlisted the aid of Duke [[Odilo, Duke of Bavaria|Odilo of Bavaria]] against the invading [[Pannonian Avars|Avars]], he had to accept [[Duchy of Bavaria|Bavarian]] overlordship. An 878 deed of donation, issued by the [[Carolingian Empire|Carolingian]] ruler [[Carloman of Bavaria]], mentioned a bridge (''ad pontem Uillach'') near the royal court of [[Treffen]], in what is today Villach.{{Citation needed|date=December 2009}} In 979 Emperor [[Otto II, Holy Roman Emperor|Otto II]] enfeoffed Bishop Albuin of [[Bishopric of Brixen|Brixen]] with the Villach manor. After his death, King [[Henry II, Holy Roman Emperor|Henry II]] in 1007 ceded the settlement to the newly established [[Prince-Bishopric of Bamberg|Bishopric of Bamberg]]. The bishops also held the adjacent estates along the strategically important route to Italy up to [[Pontebba|Pontafel]], which they retained until 1759 while the surrounding [[Duchy of Carinthia|Carinthian]] ducal lands passed to the Austrian [[House of Habsburg]] in 1335.
When about 740 Prince [[Boruth]] enlisted the aid of Duke [[Odilo, Duke of Bavaria|Odilo of Bavaria]] against the invading [[Pannonian Avars|Avars]], he had to accept [[Duchy of Bavaria|Bavarian]] overlordship. An 878 deed of donation, issued by the [[Carolingian Empire|Carolingian]] ruler [[Carloman of Bavaria]], mentioned a bridge (''ad pontem Uillach'') near the royal court of [[Treffen]], in what is today Villach.{{Citation needed|date=December 2009}} In 979 Emperor [[Otto II, Holy Roman Emperor|Otto II]] enfeoffed Bishop Albuin of [[Bishopric of Brixen|Brixen]] with the Villach manor. After his death, King [[Henry II, Holy Roman Emperor|Henry II]] in 1007 ceded the settlement to the newly established [[Prince-Bishopric of Bamberg|Bishopric of Bamberg]]. The bishops also held the adjacent estates along the strategically important route to Italy up to [[Pontebba|Pontafel]], which they retained until 1759 while the surrounding [[Duchy of Carinthia|Carinthian]] ducal lands passed to the Austrian [[House of Habsburg]] in 1335.
[[File:Villach altstadt.jpg|thumb|Drava bridge near the city centre]]
[[File:Villach - Draubrücke mit Blick zur Altstadt- 2005.jpg|thumb|Drava bridge near the city centre]]
Villach received [[market town|market rights]] in 1060, though it was not mentioned as a [[German town law|town]] in records until about 1240. The parish church dedicated to [[James, son of Zebedee|St. James]] was first documented in 1136. Emperor [[Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor|Frederick II]] conferred the citizens the right to hold an annual fair on the feast of 25 July (''Jakobitag'') in 1222. The [[1348 Friuli earthquake]] devastated large parts of the town, another devastating earthquake occurred in 1690. There were also several fires in Villach, which destroyed many buildings. The first documented mayor took office in the 16th century.
Villach received [[market town|market rights]] in 1060, though it was not mentioned as a [[German town law|town]] in records until about 1240. The parish church dedicated to [[James, son of Zebedee|St. James]] was first documented in 1136. Emperor [[Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor|Frederick II]] conferred the citizens the right to hold an annual fair on the feast of 25 July (''Jakobitag'') in 1222. The [[1348 Friuli earthquake]] devastated large parts of the town; another devastating earthquake occurred in 1690. There were also several fires in Villach, which destroyed many buildings. The first documented mayor took office in the 16th century.


From 1526 onwards, many citizens turned [[Protestant Reformation|Protestant]] and the Villach parish became a centre of the new faith within the Carinthian estates, which entailed harsh [[Counter-Reformation]] measures by the ecclesiastical rulers. From about 1600, numerous residents were forced to leave the town, precipitating an economic decline. In 1759 the [[House of Habsburg|Habsburg]] empress [[Maria Theresa]] formally purchased the Bamberg territories in Carinthia for a price of one million [[Austro-Hungarian gulden|gulden]]s. Villach was incorporated into the "hereditary lands" of the [[Habsburg Monarchy]] and became the administrative seat of a Carinthian district.
From 1526 onwards, many citizens turned [[Protestant Reformation|Protestant]] and the Villach parish became a centre of the new faith within the Carinthian estates, which entailed harsh [[Counter-Reformation]] measures by the ecclesiastical rulers. From about 1600, numerous residents were forced to leave the town, precipitating an economic decline. In 1759 the [[House of Habsburg|Habsburg]] empress [[Maria Theresa]] formally purchased the Bamberg territories in Carinthia for a price of one million [[Austro-Hungarian florin|florin]]s. Villach was incorporated into the "hereditary lands" of the [[Habsburg monarchy]] and became the administrative seat of a Carinthian district.


During the [[Napoleonic Wars]], the city was occupied by [[First French Empire|French]] troops and became part of the short-lived [[Illyrian Provinces]] from 1809, until it was re-conquered by the forces of the [[Austrian Empire]] in 1813 and incorporated into the Austrian [[Kingdom of Illyria (1816–1849)|Kingdom of Illyria]] by 1816. The city's economy was decisively promoted by a western branch of the [[Southern Railway (Austria)|Southern Railway]] line, which finally reached Villach in 1864, providing growth and expansion. By 1880, the town had a population of 6,104. In [[World War I]], Villach near the [[Italian Front (World War I)|Italian front]] was the seat of the 10th Army command of the [[Austro-Hungarian Army]].
During the [[Napoleonic Wars]], the city was occupied by [[First French Empire|French]] troops and became part of the short-lived [[Illyrian Provinces]] from 1809, until it was re-conquered by the forces of the [[Austrian Empire]] in 1813 and incorporated into the Austrian [[Kingdom of Illyria (1816–1849)|Kingdom of Illyria]] by 1816. The city's economy was decisively promoted by a western branch of the [[Southern Railway (Austria)|Southern Railway]] line, which finally reached Villach in 1864, providing growth and expansion. By 1880, the town had a population of 6,104. In [[World War I]], Villach near the [[Italian Front (World War I)|Italian front]] was the seat of the 10th Army command of the [[Austro-Hungarian Army]].
Line 255: Line 256:
| publisher = Martin Rosenkranz
| publisher = Martin Rosenkranz
| date = 2003-08-13
| date = 2003-08-13
| accessdate = 2007-12-18
| access-date = 2007-12-18
| language = German
| language = de
}}</ref> Today, Villach is a bustling city with commerce and recreation, yet it retains its historic background.
}}</ref> Today, Villach is a bustling city with commerce and recreation, yet it retains its historic background.


Line 280: Line 281:


===Municipal council===
===Municipal council===
The municipal council (''Gemeinderat'') consists of 45 members, with the mayor as president, and following the 2015 elections:<ref>http://www.villach.at/stadt-regierung/wahl-service/wahlstatistiken</ref>
The municipal council (''Gemeinderat'') consists of 45 members, with the mayor as president, and following the 2015 elections:<ref>[http://www.villach.at/stadt-regierung/wahl-service/wahlstatistiken Wahlstatistiken – Stadt Villach]</ref>


* [[Social Democratic Party of Austria]] (SPÖ): 23 seats
* [[Social Democratic Party of Austria]] (SPÖ): 23 seats
* [[Austrian People's Party]] (ÖVP): 10 seats
* [[Austrian People's Party]] (ÖVP): 10 seats
⚫
* [[Austrian Green Party]]: 3 seats
* [[Freedom Party of Austria]] (FPÖ): 7 seats
* [[Freedom Party of Austria]] (FPÖ): 7 seats
⚫
* [[Austrian Green Party]]: 3 seats
* Verantwortung Erde: 1 seat
* Verantwortung Erde: 1 seat
* NEOS: 1 seat
* NEOS: 1 seat
Line 292: Line 293:
The city government of Villach (Stadtsenat) consists of seven members. It is chaired by the mayor, who is directly elected by the people. The other members—two vice-mayors and four town councillors—are appointed by the municipal council, with party affiliations according to the election results.
The city government of Villach (Stadtsenat) consists of seven members. It is chaired by the mayor, who is directly elected by the people. The other members—two vice-mayors and four town councillors—are appointed by the municipal council, with party affiliations according to the election results.


*''Mayor'' Günther Albel, SPÖ
*Mayor Günther Albel, SPÖ
*''First vice-mayor'' Mag. Dr. Petra Oberrauner, SPÖ
*First Deputy Mayor Petra Oberrauner, SPÖ
*''Second vice-mayor'' Mag. Gerda Sandriesser, SPÖ
*Second Deputy Mayor Gerda Sandriesser, SPÖ
*''Councillor'' Mag. Peter F. Weidinger, ÖVP
*Councillor Peter F. Weidinger, ÖVP
*''Councillor'' Erwin Baumann, FPÖ
*Councillor Erwin Baumann, FPÖ
*''Councillor'' Mag. Harald Sobe, SPÖ
*Councillor Harald Sobe, SPÖ
*''Councillor'' Katharina Spanring, ÖVP
*Councillor Katharina Spanring, ÖVP


In the March 2015 elections, Günther Albel was elected with 55.46 per cent of the votes cast.<ref name="Wahlergebnisse 2009">[http://www.villach.at/stadt-regierung/wahl-service/wahlstatistiken Wahlergebnisse 2015] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202234022/http://www.villach.at/stadt-regierung/wahl-service/wahlstatistiken |date=2017-02-02 }}</ref>
In the March 2015 elections, Günther Albel was elected with 55.46 per cent of the votes cast.<ref name="Wahlergebnisse 2009">[http://www.villach.at/stadt-regierung/wahl-service/wahlstatistiken Wahlergebnisse 2015] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202234022/http://www.villach.at/stadt-regierung/wahl-service/wahlstatistiken |date=2017-02-02 }}</ref>


{| class="infobox" style="float:right;"
{| class="wikitable floatright"
|colspan="2"|'''Largest groups of foreign residents'''<ref>{{cite web|title=Statistisches Jahrbuch 2014|url=http://www.villach.at/stadt-erleben/ueber-villach/statistisches-jahrbuch|website=www.villach.at|publisher=Stadt Villach - Melde- und Standesamt, Statistik|accessdate=2015-09-03}}</ref>
|+ Largest groups of foreign residents<ref>{{cite web|title=Statistisches Jahrbuch 2014|url=http://www.villach.at/stadt-erleben/ueber-villach/statistisches-jahrbuch|website=www.villach.at|publisher=Stadt Villach - Melde- und Standesamt, Statistik|access-date=2015-09-03}}</ref>
|-\
|-\
!Nationality || Population (2013)
!Nationality || Population (2013)
Line 318: Line 319:
|-
|-
|{{flag|Russia}} || 364
|{{flag|Russia}} || 364
|-
|}
|}


Line 327: Line 327:
* {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Udine]], Italy
* {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Udine]], Italy
* {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Suresnes]], France
* {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Suresnes]], France
* {{flagicon|USA}} [[Springfield, Illinois|Springfield]], [[Illinois]], United States
* {{flagicon|SLO}} [[Tolmin]], Slovenia since 2014


==Festivals==
==Festivals==
Line 337: Line 337:
*''Villacher Fasching'' or ''[[Mardi Gras]]''
*''Villacher Fasching'' or ''[[Mardi Gras]]''
*The streets-art festival (displays performances of artists and singers)
*The streets-art festival (displays performances of artists and singers)
*The "''Villacher Kirchtag''" (a festival spanning a whole week in summer and ends on August's first Saturday.)
*The ''Villacher Kirchtag'' (a festival spanning a whole week in summer and ends on August's first Saturday.)
*Performances on a floating stage on the ''Drau River'' <!-- please provide further details, if you can - thank you. -->
*Performances on a floating stage on the Drau River <!-- please provide further details, if you can - thank you. -->


==Notable citizens==
==Notable citizens==
[[File:JanezicAnton.jpg|thumb|170px|Anton Janežič]]
[[File:Potiorek oskar fzm 1853 1933 photo2.jpg|thumb|150px|[[Oskar Potiorek]], 1908]]
[[File:Eva Glawischnig.jpeg|thumb|150px|[[Eva Glawischnig-Piesczek|Eva Glawischnig]], 2006]]
[[File:Potiorek oskar fzm 1853 1933 photo2.jpg|thumb|170px|Oskar Potiorek]]
[[File:Eva Glawischnig.jpeg|thumb|175px|Eva Glawischnig]]
[[File:Marc Sand - Österreich U-21 (1).jpg|thumb|150px|[[Marc Sand]], 2009]]
[[File:Marc Sand - Österreich U-21 (1).jpg|thumb|170px|Marc Sand]]
[[File:Guido Burgstaller - AUT-ROM-freundschaftsspiel - 2012-06-05.jpg|thumb|150px|[[Guido Burgstaller]], 2012]]
* [[Ludwig Willroider]] (1845–1910), an Austrian landscape painter and etcher.
[[File:12-06-05-aut-rom-freundschaftsspiel-239.jpg|thumb|170px|Guido Burgstaller]]
⚫
* [[Oskar Potiorek]] (1853 in [[Bad Bleiberg]] – 1933), [[Austro-Hungarian Army]] officer, [[Governor of Bosnia and Herzegovina]] in Sarajevo from 1911 to 1914, when [[Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria]] was assassinated there

* [[Anton Janežič]], (1828 in St. Jakob im Rosental – 1869) [[Carinthian Slovene]] linguist, philologist, author, and literary historian.
* [[Anton Ghon]] (1866 in Villach – 1936), Austrian [[pathologist]] viz [[Ghon focus]] and [[Ghon's complex]]
* [[:de:Oskar Kraus (Politiker, 1887)|Oskar Kraus, (DE Wiki)]] (1887–1973 in Villach), mayor of Villach 1938–1945
⚫
* [[Oskar Potiorek]] (1853 in Bad Bleiberg – 1933) [[Austro-Hungarian Army]] officer, [[Governor of Bosnia and Herzegovina]] in Sarajevo from 1911 to 1914, when [[Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria]] was assassinated there
* [[Anton Ghon]] (1866 in Villach – 1936) Austrian [[pathologist]] viz [[Ghon focus]] and [[Ghon's complex]]
* [[Hans Kurath]] (1891 in Villach – 1992), American linguist, emigrated to the US in 1907
* [[Hans Kurath]] (1891 in Villach – 1992) American linguist of Austrian origin, emigrated to the US in 1907
* [[Carl-Heinz Birnbacher]] (1910 in Villach – 1991), German naval officer, [[Vice admiral]] of the German Navy
* [[Carl-Heinz Birnbacher]] (1910 in Villach – 1991) German naval officer of Austrian origin, [[Vice admiral]] of the German Navy
* [[Albert Bach]] (1910 in [[Treffen]] – 2003), soldier, [[Generalmajor]], and skier, competed at the [[1936 Winter Olympics]].
* [[Albert Bach]] (1910 in Treffen – 2003) Austrian soldier, [[Generalmajor]], and skier, competed at the [[1936 Winter Olympics]].
* [[Heidemarie Hatheyer]] (1918 in Villach – 1990), film actress, appearing in 43 films between 1938 and 1988
* [[Hubert Petschnigg]] (1913 – 1997) Austrian architect, born in Klagenfurt, went to school in Villach.
* [[Paul Watzlawick]] (1921 in Villach – 2007), Austrian-American therapist, psychologist and communications theorist.
⚫
* [[Kurt Diemberger]] (born 1932), author and mountaineer
* [[Heidemarie Hatheyer]] (1918 in Villach – 1990) Austrian film actress, appearing in 43 films between 1938 and 1988
* [[Paul Watzlawick]] (1921 in Villach – 2007) Austrian-American therapist, psychologist, communications theorist and philosopher.
* [[Bruno Gironcoli]] (1936 in Villach – 2010), Austrian modern artist
⚫
* [[Heidelinde Weis]] (1940–2023), Austrian actress
⚫
* [[Kurt Diemberger]] (born 1932), mountaineer and author
* [[Peter Brabeck-Letmathe]] (born 1944 in Villach), former [[CEO]] of the [[Nestlé]] Group and of [[Formula One Group]]
* [[Bruno Gironcoli]] (1936 in Villach – 2010) Austrian modern artist
* [[George Zebrowski]] (born 1945 in Villach), American science fiction author and editor
⚫
* [[Heidelinde Weis]] (born 1940) Austrian actress
* [[Hermann Knoflacher]] (born 1940 in Villach) Austrian [[civil engineer]].
* [[Zoltan Acs|Zoltan J. Acs]] (born 1947 in Villach), American economist and Professor of Management at The [[London School of Economics|LSE]]
* [[Peter Brabeck-Letmathe]] (born 1944 in Villach), former [[CEO]] of the [[Nestlé]] Group
* [[Felix Tretter]] (born 1949 in Villach), Austrian psychologist, psychiatrist and cybernetician
* [[George Zebrowski]] (born 1945 in Villach) American science fiction author and editor
* [[Werner Kofler]] (1947 in Villach – 2011), Austrian [[postmodernism]] novelist
* [[Konrad Paul Liessmann]] (born 1953), philosopher, essayist and cultural publicist.
* [[Zoltan Acs|Zoltan J. Acs]] (born 1947 in Villach) American economist and Professor of Management at The [[London School of Economics]]
* [[Felix Tretter]] (born 1949 in Villach) Austrian psychologist, psychiatrist and cybernetician
* [[Gerald Kargl]] (born 1953 in Villach), Austrian film director, directed the 1983 film [[Angst (1983 film)|Angst]]
* [[Werner Kofler]] (1947 in Villach – 2011) Austrian [[postmodernism]] novelist
* [[Wolfgang Ilgenfritz]] (1957 in Villach – 2013), Austrian politician and notably a [[non-attached]] [[Member of the European Parliament|MEP]]
* [[Gerald Kargl]] (born 1953 in Villach) Austrian film director most famous for directing the 1983 film [[Angst (1983 film)|Angst]]
* [[Gernot Rumpold]] (born 1957 in Villach), Austrian politician, associate of [[Jörg Haider]]
* [[Wolfgang Ilgenfritz]] (1957 in Villach – 2013) Austrian politician and notably a [[non-attached]] [[Member of the European Parliament]]
* [[Peter Löscher]] (born 1957 in Villach), Austrian businessman with [[Merck & Co]] and former CEO of [[Siemens]]
* [[Gernot Rumpold]] (born 1957 in Villach) Austrian politician, associate of [[Jörg Haider]]
* [[Michael Martin Kofler]] (born 1966), classical flautist with the [[Munich Philharmonic]]
* [[Peter Löscher]] (born 1957 in Villach) Austrian businessman with [[Merck & Co]] now CEO of [[Siemens]] since 2007
* [[Eva Glawischnig-Piesczek]] (born 1969 in Villach), Austrian politician of the [[Austrian Green Party]]
* [[Michael Martin Kofler]] (born 1966), classical flautist
* [[Alexander Kaimbacher]] (born 1969), Austrian operatic tenor
* [[Eva Glawischnig-Piesczek]] (born 1969 in Villach) Austrian politician of the [[Austrian Green Party]]
* [[Thomas Smolej]] (1982 in Villach), Austrian actor and director
* [[Florian Hufsky]] (1986 in Villach – 2009) Austrian new media artist, board member of the [[Pirate Party of Austria]]
* [[Florian Hufsky]] (1986 in Villach – 2009), Austrian new media artist, board member of the [[Pirate Party of Austria]]


===Sport ===
===Sport ===
* [[Ernst Melchior]] (1920 in Villach – 1978), Austrian football player for [[Austria Wien]], [[FC Rouen]] and [[FC Nantes]], he played almost 400 games and 36 games for [[Austria national football team|Austria]]

* [[Ernst Melchior]] (1920 in Villach – 1978) Austrian football player for [[Austria Wien]], [[FC Rouen]] and [[FC Nantes]]
* [[Hanns Brandstätter]] (born 1949 in Villach), fencer; competed in at the [[1972 Summer Olympics|72]], [[1976 Summer Olympics|76]], and [[1984 Summer Olympics]]
* [[Alex Antonitsch]] (born 1966 in Villach), former tennis player from Austria, turned professional in 1988
* [[Hanns Brandstätter]] (born 1949 in Villach) Austrian fencer. He competed in at the [[1972 Summer Olympics|72]], [[1976 Summer Olympics|76]], and [[1984 Summer Olympics]]
* [[Johann Lindner|Johann "Hans" Lindner]] (born 1959 in Tragail) hammer thrower [[1984 Summer Olympics]] and bobsledder in [[1984 Winter Olympics]]
* [[Christian Mayer (skier)|Christian Mayer]] (born 1972), former alpine skier, twice bronze medallist in the [[1994 Winter Olympics|1994]] & [[1998 Winter Olympics]]
* [[Alfred Groyer]] (born 1959) Austrian former ski jumper who competed from 1978 to 1984 and in the [[1980 Winter Olympics]]
* [[Bärbel Jungmeier]] (born 1975 in Villach), road cyclist and mountain bike rider, rode at the [[2004 Summer Olympics]]
* [[Alex Antonitsch]] (born 1966 in Villach) former tennis player from Austria, turned professional in 1988
* [[Gerhard Unterluggauer]] (born 1976 in Villach), Austrian former professional ice hockey defenceman
* [[Bärbel Jungmeier]] (born 1975 in Villach) road cyclist and mountain bike rider competed in the [[2004 Summer Olympics]]
* [[Roland Kollmann]] (born 1976 in Villach), retired footballer for [[Grazer AK]], played 343 games and 11 for [[Austria national football team|Austria]]
* [[Gerhard Unterluggauer]] (born 1976 in Villach) Austrian former professional ice hockey defenceman
* [[Daniel Mesotitsch]] (born 1976 in Villach), Austrian [[biathlete]] twice Olympic team medallist
* [[Roland Kollmann]] (born 1976 in Villach) retired Austrian football for [[Grazer AK]]
* [[Jürgen Pichorner]] (born 1977), an Austrian football midfielder who has played over 330 games
* [[Daniel Mesotitsch]] (born 1976 in Villach) Austrian [[biathlete]]
* [[Friedrich Pinter]] (born 1978 in Villach), Austrian former [[biathlete]]
* [[Friedrich Pinter]] (born 1978 in Villach) Austrian former [[biathlete]]
* [[Martin Koch (ski jumper)|Martin Koch]] (born 1982 in Villach), former ski jumper, team gold medallist at the [[2006 Winter Olympics]]
* [[Martin Koch (ski jumper)|Martin Koch]] (born 1982 in Villach) Austrian former ski jumper
* [[Michael Grabner]], (born 1987 in Villach), Austrian professional ice hockey player for [[New York Rangers]] of the [[National Hockey League|NHL]]
* [[Michael Grabner]], (born 1987 in Villach) Austrian professional ice hockey player for [[New York Rangers]] of [[National Hockey League]]
* [[Marc Sand]] (born 1988 in [[Rosegg]]), Austrian footballer, who plays for [[SK Austria Klagenfurt (2007)|SK Austria Klagenfurt]]
* [[Marc Sand]] (born 1988 in Rosegg) Austrian footballer, who plays for [[SK Austria Klagenfurt (2007)|SK Austria Klagenfurt]]
* [[Michael Raffl]] (born 1988 in Villach), professional ice hockey left winger for [[Dallas Stars]] of the [[National Hockey League|NHL]]
* [[Michael Raffl]] (born 1988 in Villach) Austrian professional ice hockey left winger for [[Philadelphia Flyers]] of [[National Hockey League]]
* [[Guido Burgstaller]] (born 1989 in Villach), footballer who plays for [[Rapid Wien]], has played 26 games for [[Austria national football team|Austria]]
* [[Guido Burgstaller]] (born 1989 in Villach) Austrian professional footballer who plays as a striker for [[FC Schalke 04]]
* [[Christopher Wernitznig]] (born 1990), an Austrian footballer who has played over 470 games
* [[Anna Gasser]] (born 1991 in Villach) Austrian [[Snowboarding|snowboarder]], Olympic gold medalist in [[Snowboarding at the 2018 Winter Olympics – Women's big air|Big Air]]
* [[Anna Gasser]] (born 1991 in Villach), [[Snowboarding|snowboarder]], two-time Olympic gold medalist in Big Air ([[Snowboarding at the 2018 Winter Olympics – Women's big air|2018]] and [[Snowboarding at the 2022 Winter Olympics – Women's big air|2022]])
* [[Marco Schwarz]] (born 1995 in Villach) Austrian World Cup alpine ski racer
* [[Marco Schwarz]] (born 1995 in Villach), Austrian World Cup alpine ski racer
* [[Christopher Höher]] (born 1997 in Villach), Austrian racing driver
* [[Daniela Ulbing]] (born 1998), an Austrian snowboarder, silver medallist at the [[2022 Winter Olympics]]


== References ==
== References ==
Line 399: Line 401:
{{commons|Villach}}
{{commons|Villach}}
{{wikivoyage|Villach}}
{{wikivoyage|Villach}}
* {{StatistikAustria|20201}}
*{{StatistikAustria|20201}}
*[http://www.villach.at/?lang=en-us Villach - Official website] (English version)
*[http://www.villach.at/?lang=en-us Villach - Official website] (English version)
*[http://www.kowatsch.at/ Kowatsch] - Villach Bus System official site
*[http://www.kowatsch.at/ Kowatsch] - Villach Bus System official site
*[http://www.fh-kaernten.at/ Official website of the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences - FH Kärnten]
*[http://www.fh-kaernten.at/ Official website of the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences - FH Kärnten]


{{Principal cities of Austria}}
{{Carinthia}}
{{Carinthia}}

{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Villach| ]]
[[Category:Villach| ]]
[[Category:Districts of Carinthia (state)]]
[[Category:Districts of Carinthia]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Carinthia (state)]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Carinthia]]

Latest revision as of 20:58, 4 December 2024

Villach
Statutory city
Drava riverside
Drava riverside
Flag of Villach
Flag
Coat of arms of Villach
Coat of arms
Location of Villach within Carinthia
Location of Villach within Carinthia
Villach is located in Kärnten
Villach
Villach
Location within Austria
Villach is located in Austria
Villach
Villach
Villach (Austria)
Coordinates: 46°37′N 13°51′E / 46.617°N 13.850°E / 46.617; 13.850
Country Austria
State Carinthia
DistrictStatutory city
Government
 • MayorGünther Albel (SPÖ)
Area
[1]
 • Total
134.98 km2 (52.12 sq mi)
Elevation
501 m (1,644 ft)
Population
 (2018-01-01)[2]
 • Total
61,879
 • Density460/km2 (1,200/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
9500
Area code04242
Vehicle registrationVI
Websitevillach.at

Villach (German pronunciation: [ˈfɪlax] ⓘ; Slovene: Beljak; Italian: Villaco; Friulian: Vilac) is the seventh-largest city in Austria and the second-largest in the federal state of Carinthia. It is an important traffic junction for southern Austria and the whole Alpe-Adria region. As of January 2018, the population is 61,887.[3]

Together with other Alpine towns Villach engages in the Alpine Town of the Year Association for the implementation of the Alpine Convention to achieve sustainable development in the Alpine Arc. In 1997, Villach was the first town to be awarded Alpine Town of the Year.

Geography

[edit]
Main square

Villach is a statutory city, on the Drau River near its confluence with the Gail tributary, at the western rim of the Klagenfurt basin. The municipal area stretches from the slopes of the Gailtal Alps (Mt. Dobratsch) down to Lake Ossiach in the northeast.

The Villach city limits comprise the following districts and villages:

  • Bogenfeld (Slovene: Vognje Polje)
  • Dobrova (Dobrova)
  • Drautschen (Dravče)
  • Drobollach am Faaker See (Drobolje ob Baškem jezeru)
  • Duel (Dole)
  • Egg am Faaker See (Brdo ob Baškem jezeru)
  • Goritschach (Goriče)
  • Graschitz (Krošče)
  • Gratschach (Grače pri Šentrupertu)
  • Greuth (Rute pri Beljaku)
  • Gritschach (Griče)
  • Großsattel (Sedlo)
  • Großvassach (Velike Laze pri Beljaku)
  • Heiligen Gestade
  • Heiligengeist (Sveti Duh)
  • Kleinsattel (Malo Sedlo)
  • Kleinvassach (Male Laze pri Beljaku)
  • Kratschach (Hrašče pri Mariji na Zilji)
  • Kumitz
  • Landskron (Vajškra)
  • Maria Gail (Marija na Zilji)
  • Mittewald ober dem Faaker See (Na Dobrovi)
  • Mittewald ob Villach
  • Neufellach (Nova Bela)
  • Neulandskron (Nova Vajškra)
  • Obere Fellach (Gornja Bela)
  • Oberfederaun (Gornji Vetrov)
  • Oberschütt (Rogaje pod Dobračem)
  • Oberwollanig
  • Pogöriach (Pogorje)
  • Prossowitsch (Prosoviče)
  • Rennstein
  • Serai (Seraje)
  • St. Andrä
  • St. Georgen
  • St. Leonhard
  • St. Magdalen
  • St. Michael
  • St. Niklas an der Drau (Miklavž na Dravi)
  • St. Ruprecht
  • St. Ulrich
  • Tschinowitsch (Činoviče)
  • Turdanitsch (Trdaniče pri Mariji na Zilji)
  • Untere Fellach (Spodnja Bela)
  • Unterfederaun (Pod Vetrovom)
  • Unterschütt (Zabuče pri Brnci)
  • Unterwollanig
  • Urlaken
  • Villach-Auen (Log pri Beljaku)
  • Villach-Innere Stadt (Beljak - Mesto)
  • Villach-Lind (Beljak - Lipa)
  • Villach-Seebach-Wasenboden
  • Villach-St. Agathen und Perau
  • Villach-St. Martin
  • Villach-Völkendorf
  • Villach-Warmbad-Judendorf (Beljaške Toplice)
  • Weißenbach
  • Zauchen (Suha pri Vernberku)

In 1905 a part of the municipal area St. Martin was incorporated. In 1973 the city area was further enlarged through the incorporation of Landskron, Maria Gail and Fellach.

Climate

[edit]

Villach has a cool summer humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb).

Climate data for Villach 1971-2000
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 1.4
(34.5) 		5.2
(41.4) 		10.6
(51.1) 		14.9
(58.8) 		20.2
(68.4) 		23.4
(74.1) 		25.6
(78.1) 		25.2
(77.4) 		20.8
(69.4) 		14.5
(58.1) 		6.6
(43.9) 		1.8
(35.2) 		14.2
(57.6)
Daily mean °C (°F) −3.2
(26.2) 		−0.6
(30.9) 		4.0
(39.2) 		8.3
(46.9) 		13.5
(56.3) 		16.7
(62.1) 		18.7
(65.7) 		18.3
(64.9) 		14.1
(57.4) 		8.5
(47.3) 		2.2
(36.0) 		−2.1
(28.2) 		8.2
(46.8)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −6.4
(20.5) 		−4.6
(23.7) 		−0.8
(30.6) 		3.1
(37.6) 		7.9
(46.2) 		11.1
(52.0) 		12.9
(55.2) 		12.8
(55.0) 		9.2
(48.6) 		4.6
(40.3) 		−0.7
(30.7) 		−4.8
(23.4) 		3.7
(38.7)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 46.8
(1.84) 		47.1
(1.85) 		65.5
(2.58) 		83.2
(3.28) 		96.1
(3.78) 		120.5
(4.74) 		133.7
(5.26) 		111.3
(4.38) 		102.3
(4.03) 		105.5
(4.15) 		102.2
(4.02) 		61.2
(2.41) 		1,075.4
(42.34)
Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) 5.9 5.3 7.1 9.0 10.4 12.0 11.9 10.1 8.2 8.3 7.7 6.3 102.2
Mean monthly sunshine hours 84.4 120.3 160.6 167.7 208.4 214.3 245.2 227.2 190.3 142.0 85.9 73.2 1,919.5
Source: Zamg.ac.at[4]

History

[edit]
Roman road in Warmbad

The oldest human traces found in Villach date back to the late Neolithic. Many Roman artifacts have been discovered in the city and its vicinity, as it was near an important Roman road (today called Römerweg) leading from Italy into the Noricum province established in 15 BC. At the time, a mansio named Sanctium was probably located at the hot spring in the present-day Warmbad quarter south of the city centre. After the Migration Period and the Slavic settlement of the Eastern Alps about 600 AD, the area became part of the Carantania principality.

When about 740 Prince Boruth enlisted the aid of Duke Odilo of Bavaria against the invading Avars, he had to accept Bavarian overlordship. An 878 deed of donation, issued by the Carolingian ruler Carloman of Bavaria, mentioned a bridge (ad pontem Uillach) near the royal court of Treffen, in what is today Villach.[citation needed] In 979 Emperor Otto II enfeoffed Bishop Albuin of Brixen with the Villach manor. After his death, King Henry II in 1007 ceded the settlement to the newly established Bishopric of Bamberg. The bishops also held the adjacent estates along the strategically important route to Italy up to Pontafel, which they retained until 1759 while the surrounding Carinthian ducal lands passed to the Austrian House of Habsburg in 1335.

Drava bridge near the city centre

Villach received market rights in 1060, though it was not mentioned as a town in records until about 1240. The parish church dedicated to St. James was first documented in 1136. Emperor Frederick II conferred the citizens the right to hold an annual fair on the feast of 25 July (Jakobitag) in 1222. The 1348 Friuli earthquake devastated large parts of the town; another devastating earthquake occurred in 1690. There were also several fires in Villach, which destroyed many buildings. The first documented mayor took office in the 16th century.

From 1526 onwards, many citizens turned Protestant and the Villach parish became a centre of the new faith within the Carinthian estates, which entailed harsh Counter-Reformation measures by the ecclesiastical rulers. From about 1600, numerous residents were forced to leave the town, precipitating an economic decline. In 1759 the Habsburg empress Maria Theresa formally purchased the Bamberg territories in Carinthia for a price of one million florins. Villach was incorporated into the "hereditary lands" of the Habsburg monarchy and became the administrative seat of a Carinthian district.

During the Napoleonic Wars, the city was occupied by French troops and became part of the short-lived Illyrian Provinces from 1809, until it was re-conquered by the forces of the Austrian Empire in 1813 and incorporated into the Austrian Kingdom of Illyria by 1816. The city's economy was decisively promoted by a western branch of the Southern Railway line, which finally reached Villach in 1864, providing growth and expansion. By 1880, the town had a population of 6,104. In World War I, Villach near the Italian front was the seat of the 10th Army command of the Austro-Hungarian Army.

The town obtained statutory city status during the interwar period on 1 January 1932. After the Austrian Anschluss to Nazi Germany in 1938, the mayor of Villach was Oskar Kraus, an enthusiastic Nazi.[5] On 9 November 1938 Villach was a site of the nationwide Kristallnacht pogroms with violent attacks on the Jewish population. A memorial for the 1919 border conflict that led to the Carinthian Plebiscite caused controversy when it was inaugurated in 2002, as Kraus, who had not been especially prominent in the conflict, was the only person named.[6]

During World War II, allied forces bombed Villach 37 times. About 42,500 bombs killed 300 people and damaged 85% of the buildings. Nevertheless, the city quickly recovered.[7] Today, Villach is a bustling city with commerce and recreation, yet it retains its historic background.

Population

[edit]
Historical population
YearPop.±%
191027,451—    
192330,883+12.5%
193434,085+10.4%
193936,012+5.7%
195143,358+20.4%
196147,170+8.8%
197151,112+8.4%
198152,692+3.1%
199154,640+3.7%
200157,497+5.2%
201159,285+3.1%
201661,221+3.3%

Politics

[edit]
Town hall

Municipal council

[edit]

The municipal council (Gemeinderat) consists of 45 members, with the mayor as president, and following the 2015 elections:[8]

City government

[edit]

The city government of Villach (Stadtsenat) consists of seven members. It is chaired by the mayor, who is directly elected by the people. The other members—two vice-mayors and four town councillors—are appointed by the municipal council, with party affiliations according to the election results.

  • Mayor Günther Albel, SPÖ
  • First Deputy Mayor Petra Oberrauner, SPÖ
  • Second Deputy Mayor Gerda Sandriesser, SPÖ
  • Councillor Peter F. Weidinger, ÖVP
  • Councillor Erwin Baumann, FPÖ
  • Councillor Harald Sobe, SPÖ
  • Councillor Katharina Spanring, ÖVP

In the March 2015 elections, Günther Albel was elected with 55.46 per cent of the votes cast.[9]

Largest groups of foreign residents[10]
Nationality Population (2013)
 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1,549
 Germany 1,421
 Croatia 1,238
 Italy 482
 Slovenia 459
 Russia 364

Twin towns—sister cities

[edit]

Villach is twinned with:

Festivals

[edit]

There are several festivals throughout the year:

  • The carnival in Villach (which starts on November 11 and ends on March 4)
  • The arts and crafts festival (with self made goods)
  • Villacher Fasching or Mardi Gras
  • The streets-art festival (displays performances of artists and singers)
  • The Villacher Kirchtag (a festival spanning a whole week in summer and ends on August's first Saturday.)
  • Performances on a floating stage on the Drau River

Notable citizens

[edit]
Oskar Potiorek, 1908
Eva Glawischnig, 2006
Marc Sand, 2009
Guido Burgstaller, 2012

Sport

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Dauersiedlungsraum der Gemeinden Politischen Bezirke und Bundesländer - Gebietsstand 1.1.2018". Statistics Austria. Retrieved 10 March 2019.
  2. ^ "Einwohnerzahl 1.1.2018 nach Gemeinden mit Status, Gebietsstand 1.1.2018". Statistics Austria. Retrieved 9 March 2019.
  3. ^ "Einwohnerzahl und Komponenten der Bevölkerungsentwicklung (Population and Components of Population Growth)" (PDF) (in German). Statistik Österreich (English Version). 2007-11-29. Retrieved 2007-12-27.
  4. ^ "Klimadaten von Österreich 1971 - 2000".
  5. ^ Lisa Rettl, Werner Koroschitz, "Ein korrekter Nazi: Oskar Kraus, ns-oberbürgermeister von Villach", Drava (2006), ISBN 3-85435-501-7
  6. ^ ORF Kärnten, "Oskar Kraus - ein korrekter Nazi"[permanent dead link‍] (in German)
  7. ^ "Luftkrieg (aerial warfare) "Ostmark"". airpower.at (in German). Martin Rosenkranz. 2003-08-13. Retrieved 2007-12-18.
  8. ^ Wahlstatistiken – Stadt Villach
  9. ^ Wahlergebnisse 2015 Archived 2017-02-02 at the Wayback Machine
  10. ^ "Statistisches Jahrbuch 2014". www.villach.at. Stadt Villach - Melde- und Standesamt, Statistik. Retrieved 2015-09-03.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Villach.
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Villach.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Villach&oldid=1261203052"