History Of Hartberg
Situated in Styria, Austria, Hartberg has an interesting past spanning almost two millennia.
First people to settle in Hartberg were the Celts. During the third century BC, they built a fortified hilltop village on Ringkogel mountain. The massive ring wall surrounding the village gave the peak its name. Along with two towers that constituted part of the fortress, some traces of the wall still show themselves today. The Celts left a lasting effect on next civilizations by trading with many tribes and areas, therefore influencing their religion and way of life.
The Romans invaded the territory in the first century AD, then built a civilian community and a military garrison near the Ringkogel’s foot. Along with building bridges, aqueducts, and roads, the Romans brought wine growing to the area. The Germanic tribes attacked and settled in the area, so ending the Roman presence there in the fifth century AD.
From the Margrave’s Palatine to the Medieval Town
Hartberg joined the 11th century March of Styria, a frontier area of the Holy Roman Empire. Margrave Leopold I of Styria founded Hartberg in 1122 as a palatine, providing the monarch with administrative center and home. Hartberg also had the luxury of minting its own currency and power to organize marketplaces and run tests. Hartberg became fast known as a major and vibrant town, exceeding Styria’s capital, Graz, in significance over a period of time.
First attested in a document going back to 1286 as a civitas, or town, Hartberg was Comprising four great gates and many imposing buildings, the town was surrounded by a strong wall and a defensive moat. The town claimed a parish church, a hospital, a monastery, and a range of guilds and crafts. Hartberg was a thriving center of culture drawing singers, poets, and artists to present their skills.
From the Hungarian Conquest to the Great Fire
In the fifteenth century Hartberg faced several difficulties and dangers. King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary subjugated Hartberg in 1480 and included it into his domain. On the Ringkogel, a castle was also built acting as both a military fortification and a home. When Emperor Frederick III reclaimed authority over Hartberg in 1490, the Hungarian occupation came to an end.
Hartberg was totally destroyed by a terrible fire in 1504. Among the buildings that survived the terrible fire were the hospital, the parish church, and the Reck tower. The town sadly lost its former magnificence and relevance even though it was rebuilt in the next years.
From the Reformation to the Counter-Reformation
The Reformation’s political and theological revolution had a profound influence on Hartberg in the sixteenth century. Many of the town’s citizens adopted Protestantism, which helped Hartberg become a major center for the movement in Styria. Wars, plagues, and famines as well as other terrible events had the town’s population and wealth declining.
Hartberg went through the Counter-Reformation in the 17th century, a Catholic rebirth centered on restoring Church power and influence. The town was obliged to turn back to Catholicism, leading to the closing or seizure of several Protestant schools and churches. The Ottoman Turks regularly raided and besieged Hartberg, therefore endangering the town constantly.
From the Enlightenment to the Napoleonic Wars
In the 18th century, Hartberg experienced a period of peace and tranquility. The new ideas and innovations brought about by the Enlightenment benefited the town A cultural and intellectual movement supporting human rights, science, and reason, the Enlightenment was Renowned individuals like composer Joseph Haydn and poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe visited the town, which also saw a rebirth in art and culture.
Beginning the 19th century, Hartberg battled in the Napoleonic Wars. These were a sequence of conflicts between France and other European coalitions. French soldiers occupied Hartberg in 1805 and 1809 and pilfers from the local residents. The town also saw plenty of skirmishes and battles. For instance, during the Battle of Raab in 1809 the French defeated Austrians and their allies.
From the Industrial Revolution to the World Wars
Late in the 19th and early in the 20th century Hartberg saw a phase of industrialization and modernizing. Along with notable advances in its infrastructure—roads, trains, and electricity—the town experienced the development of new businesses like textiles, leather, and metal. As the town included several nearby towns and hamlets, it underwent notable expansion in both population and area.
In the early half of the 20th century, Hartberg went through the effects of the two World Wars, which left the town and its inhabitants severely devastated and suffering. Originally a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1918, Hartberg joined the Republic of Austria thereupon. From 1938 to 1945, Nazi Germany was occupying the town; Allied forces bombed it in 1944 and 1945. The town was freed by the Soviet troops in 1945; it thereafter joined the Second Republic of Austria.
From the Cittàslow to the Present
In the last half of the 20th century Hartberg experienced notable social and economic change. Emphasizing industries including tourism, education, and health, the town effectively diversified its economy. Along with guaranteeing the preservation of its cultural and ecological legacy, the town has made notable enhancements to its quality of living.
2009 saw Hartberg welcomed into the worldwide Cittàslow Association, a network of cities promoting a sustainable and slow way of life. Hartberg has received praise for its commitment to protect the environment, preserve its own cultural customs, and advance social cohesiveness and involvement. Highly sought-after in Austria, Hartberg draws tourists wanting to fully experience its rich past, energetic culture, and amazing natural surroundings.
