RADSTADT
Surrounded by jagged mountain chains, enticingly hikeable 2,000-metre peaks and lush alpine meadows, this medieval town is a source of enchantment for all its visitors.
The area surrounding Radstadt was already settled by the Celts in the 4th century BC. Control then passed to the Romans, the most important of whose roads made its way from Aquileia, over the Tauern mountains to Juvavum (a town near today’s Salzburg).
But the actual recorded history of the town itself begins with the arrival of the Bavarians in the 7th century AD. It remains unclear whether the origin of the town’s name is Slavic or Germanic - it has been variously referred to as Rastat (1074), Radestat (1092), Rastat (1139).
In the 13th century, the entire terrace was fortified and, on July 27, 1289, Radstadt received its city charter under Archbishop Rudolf von Hohenegg - the only mountain city of the Salzburg archbishopric.
Radstadt boasts an enchanting old town, surrounded by a city wall, where most of the town’s shops are located.
Radstadt’s heritage museum, located at Schloss Lerchen - a castle first documented in 1298, is well worth a visit, as is the museum of the Capuchin Centre. Enjoy an up-close experience of art, craftsmanship and culture from days gone by!
Visit the late-Romanesque town parish church, housing the Paul Hofhaymer Memorial Organ, or the "Schusterturm" (late Gothic), the Capuchin Church with its crypt and Baroque high altar. A visit to the Loreto Church is also highly recommended, though it is only open to the public on special occasions.
The town’s 13th-century fortifications, with their three defensive towers built between 1527 and 1535, are truly breathtaking. The “Witches’”, “Pond” and “Capuchin” towers are all evidence of historic fortifications and transport visitors back into the days of the Middle Ages.
