Ruqayyah Snyder
Feldkirch is a charming, historic medieval town in the western Austrian state of Vorarlberg, bordering Switzerland and Liechtenstein. It is Vorarlberg's second-most populous town and is known for its stunning architecture, picturesque location, and well-preserved old town. Feldkirch is also known for its legends and its connections to World War I, as author James Joyce escaped to neutral Switzerland from the Feldkirch train station in 1915.
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What You'll Learn
Feldkirch is a well-preserved medieval town
The town is located in the Arlberg province of Austria, bordering Switzerland and Liechtenstein. It is the second most populous town in Vorarlberg after Dornbirn. Feldkirch is easily accessible by train from Zurich or Innsbruck. The town is nestled in a picturesque place where three valleys meet, and a river flows through it.
The town has a well-preserved old town centre, with charming cobbled streets that are mostly pedestrian zones. The old town is home to the dominating edifice of the ancient Schattenburg Castle, which was built in the 13th century and remains a major landmark of Feldkirch. The castle was the seat of the counts of Montfort until 1390 and is now a museum.
Other sights in the town include the Gothic-style cathedral of St. Nikolaus, the town hall (1493), and Sankt Johannes’ Church (1218). The most important of the many old town gates and towers is the Katzenturm (1491–1507).
The town is also home to the Kapuzinerkloster (Capuchin Monastery), which attracts pilgrims who believe that praying to Saint Fidelis cures their headaches. The Lichtstadt Light Festival is also held in Feldkirch, where international artists fill the old inner city with light objects, projections, and sculptures.
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It is known for its schools, including the Jesuit Stella Matutina
Feldkirch, a town in the western Austrian state of Vorarlberg, is known for its schools, including the Jesuit Stella Matutina. The school was opened in 1651 and operated until 1773 when Pope Clement XIV discontinued the order of the Society of Jesus, causing the school to close. It was reopened in 1856 under Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria and operated until 1938 when the Nazis forced its closure. The school was then reopened in 1946 and continued until 1979.
The Jesuit Stella Matutina was known for its international student body, with students coming from what are now Austria, Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, Italy, Croatia, Germany, France, England, Switzerland, and the United States. The school's conversational language was Latin. The Stella Matutina scholars were well-known at the time, and the school even had a larger-than-Olympic-size indoor pool, which was the only one in Austria-Hungary at the time.
The school's religious spirit was reflected in the occupational choices of its graduates, with over twenty graduates from 1896 to 1938 entering the priesthood, many of them becoming Jesuits. Some notable former students of the Jesuit Stella Matutina include Kurt Schuschnigg, the last Chancellor of Austria before Hitler's takeover in 1938, and Heiner Geißler, a German politician and federal minister.
The school's professors were expected to publish in their respective fields, and they taught a wide range of topics, including theology, law, and the natural sciences. The Jesuits at the school also had a significant impact on the extracurricular activities offered, such as forbidding a dangerous stilt game and permitting the less violent soccer version to be played instead.
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The town is home to the Schattenburg castle, a major landmark
Feldkirch is a well-preserved medieval town in the western Austrian state of Vorarlberg, bordering Switzerland and Liechtenstein. It is known for its charming old town, cobbled streets, and medieval buildings.
Schattenburg castle is not the only historic building in Feldkirch. The town boasts a Gothic-style cathedral, a town hall, and several churches, including the Sankt Johannes Church and the Kapuzinerkloster (Capuchin Monastery). The old town is small and easily walkable, with most streets being pedestrian-only zones.
In addition to its architectural and historical charm, Feldkirch offers cultural attractions such as the Galerie Sechzig, which showcases contemporary art, and the Montforthaus, a venue for cultural activities like balls, trade fairs, concerts, and theatre performances. The town also hosts a summer festival featuring concerts, cinema, poetry slams, fashion shows, and other events.
With its picturesque setting, charming streets, and abundance of historic sites, Feldkirch is a hidden gem worth exploring.
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Feldkirch is a great base for visiting Liechtenstein
Feldkirch is a charming medieval town in the western Austrian state of Vorarlberg, bordering Switzerland and Liechtenstein. It is a great base for visiting Liechtenstein, with its well-preserved old town, picturesque location, and proximity to Liechtenstein's attractions.
The town is easily accessible by train from Zurich or Innsbruck, and it is also possible to take a bus from Buchs in Switzerland via Schaan in Liechtenstein. Feldkirch has a lot to offer in terms of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a worthwhile destination in its own right. The town has a rich medieval history, with well-preserved buildings and streets that reflect its past. The Schattenburg Castle, the first construction of which began around 1230, is a major landmark and houses a local museum. Other historic sites include the Gothic parish church of Sankt Nikolaus, the town hall, and Sankt Johannes' Church.
The Kapuzinerkloster (Capuchin Monastery) attracts pilgrims with its legend of curing headaches, and the Marktgasse, the main street in the historic centre, was featured in the James Bond film "Quantum of Solace". Feldkirch also boasts charming streets, interesting architecture, and easy access to nature. The Montforthaus Feldkirch, a public venue for cultural activities, and the Galerie Sechzig, a contemporary art gallery, add to the cultural offerings of the town.
The town is surrounded by beautiful mountains and lies in the Rhein Valley, where three valleys meet. It is known for its connections to nature and outdoor activities, with nearby hiking trails and ski resorts. The Lichtstadt Light Festival, held annually in the summer, further enhances the town's appeal with its art installations, concerts, and other cultural offerings. With its scenic beauty, historical significance, and cultural attractions, Feldkirch serves as an ideal base for exploring Liechtenstein and its surroundings.
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It is known for its charming old town and legends
Feldkirch, a small medieval town in the western Austrian state of Vorarlberg, is known for its charming old town and legends. It is a well-preserved medieval city with a delightful old town centre and interesting legends that have been passed down through the generations. The old town has cobbled streets, medieval buildings, and excellent architecture, including the Gothic-style cathedral of St. Nikolaus and the town hall (built in 1493).
The town is also known for the Schattenburg castle, which was built in the 13th century and was the seat of the counts of Montfort until 1390. The castle now houses a museum and a restaurant offering impressive views. Residents insist that the castle is haunted by the spirit of Ida, the most beautiful maiden in the land.
Another legend associated with the town involves the devil appearing in St. John's Church, where it is said that the alchemist Faust was dragged through the skylight to hell. According to the legend, the skylight must always remain open, as any new pane of glass would shatter.
The Kapuzinerkloster (Capuchin Monastery) in Feldkirch attracts pilgrims who believe that praying to Saint Fidelis can cure their headaches. The monk was murdered by local farmers in 1622 due to his overzealous attempts at conversion.
A thousand-year-old tree by the northern wall of the cemetery is also a site of interest, believed to have healing properties and featuring in several local legends.
Overall, Feldkirch's old town and legends contribute to its unique charm and make it a worthwhile destination for those interested in history, architecture, and folklore.
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Frequently asked questions
Feldkirch is a charming, medieval town in the Vorarlberg region of western Austria. It is known for its well-preserved old town, the Schattenburg castle, and its connections to three countries: Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Germany.
Feldkirch has a lot to offer in terms of history and culture. The old town features traditional cobbled streets, medieval buildings, and interesting architecture. The town also has several historic buildings, including the Gothic parish church of Sankt Nikolaus, the town hall, and Sankt Johannes' Church. Visitors can also explore the ancient Schattenburg Castle, which was built in the 13th century and now houses a museum and a restaurant.
Feldkirch was first mentioned as Veldkirichae in 830 and belonged to the counts of Montfort from 1190 until it was sold to Austria in 1375. The town was chartered in 1218, and the Montforts built the first hospital, St. John's Church, and a monastery. The Battle of Feldkirch took place in March 1799, resulting in a victory for the Austrians over the French.
Feldkirch hosts a six-week summer festival featuring numerous concerts, cinema, short films, poetry slams, fashion shows, and discussion panels. The venues are rebuilt every year, with designers selected through an international competition. The town is also known for its Christmas market, which is said to be one of the most beautiful in Austria.
