Attractions & Landmarks In Laa an der Thaya
Near the Czech Republic border, Laa a der Thaya is a mediaeval city in Lower Austria. Its historic past, wine culture, and thermal therapy are well-known. The city has various attractions that accentuate its attractiveness and past.
Burg Laa an der Thaya
Surrounded by a moat, Burg Laa a der Thaya—also known as Laa Castle—a medieval stronghold intended as a last option in case of a threat—rather than as a residential castle—is seen. Originally belonging to the Babenberg dynasty, it goes back to the 13th century. Later, about 1400, the distinctive butter churn tower was built on the city side, then followed by residential and business sections. Many aristocratic families have possessed it over history; Andreas Hofer owned it personally until 2007. Considered as the icon of the historic city, the castle was reclaimed by the municipality in 2007 following years of struggle. The first beer museum in Austria, emphasizing the brewing history and culture of the area, has been located within the castle since 1972.
The city wall’s ruins
One may also see traces of the city wall on the northern margins of the city. These are the remnants of the defenses formerly encircling and shielding the city from invaders. Thought to have started during the city’s siege by the Swedes during the Thirty Years War, there is still a Swedish ball in the so-called horizontal bar. Remains of the city wall bear witness to the tumultuous past and tenacity of the city.
Catholic parish church Laa an der Thaya St. Veit
Having an art-historical apse, the Catholic parish church Laa a der Thaya St. Veit is among the biggest late Romanesque buildings in the region. It’s for St. Vitus, the patron saint of performers, dancers, and epileptics. The inside is amazing with paintings, stained glass windows, and a high vaulted ceiling. Following multiple destruction (1466, 1795), the church received in the 18th century a baroque high altar, pulpit, and organ. Notable people including Albert von Rickmersdorf, the first rector of the University of Vienna, and the well-known astronomer John of Gmunden historically presided over the parish. Presumably ruling the parish between 1442 and 1450, Aeneas Piccolomini subsequently became Pius II. Attributed with the well-known sentence “Aemula Venetiis, urbs antiquissima Laa, haec jacet in medio stercoris, illa maris.” ( “You ancient city of Laa, like this one in the middle of the mud, that one in the middle of the sea,” he cries.).
Catholic parish church Kottingneusiedl Maria Schutz
The Catholic Parish Church of Kottingneusiedl About 4 kilometers from Laa a der Thaya, Maria Schutz is a little but beautiful church in the village of Kottingneusiedl. It is in honor of Our Lady of Refuge, the term assigned to the Virgin Mary asking for her protection and intervention. Built in the baroque style in the 18th century, the church boasts a small front and a bell tower. Inside the wooden altar depicting Mary and Jesus is surrounded by angels and saints. For both residents and tourists, the church is the hub of pilgrimage and loyalty.
Catholic parish church Wulzeshofen hl. John the Baptist
Another rural church in Laa a der Thaya is the Catholic parish church Wulzeshofen hl. John the Baptist, located in the community of Wulzeshofen, some 5 kilometers from the city. It honors the prophet St. John the Baptist who baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. The pointed arch gateway and polygonal choir of the Gothic church built in the 14th century reflect Inside there’s a rococo organ, a baroque altar, and a Gothic crucifix. A historical and cultural artifact, the church stands for the regional religious and creative customs.
Evangelical Christ Church
Designed in 1936, the Protestant Evangelical Christ Church stands in Laa a der Thaya. With a green roof and a red brick front, this is a basic yet sophisticated construction. Inside there is a contemporary altar, a hardwood ceiling, and a stained glass window showing Christ. Since the church accommodates individuals of many beliefs and origins, it is a representation of the variety and tolerance of the city.
Citizens’ hospital complex
The 13th-century Citizens’ hospital complex sits in the city center. The complex includes an early Gothic church, perhaps a pilgrims’ hospice dedicated to St. James, with wings added for the elderly. The municipal Meierhof and brewery undoubtedly belonged to it in the past. The complex showcases the city’s architecture, history, and social and philanthropic work.
The municipal brewery
Nestled within the Citizens’ Hospital complex, the municipal brewery is a historical and cultural treasure to the city. Established in the fifteenth century, the brewery was run by the city until 1847, when it was sold to Anton Kühdriver, a local entrepreneur whose Hubertus brewery is still in use today. The brewery creates premium beers using regional ingredients and conventional techniques. Currently offering guided tours and tastings to visitors, the brewery underwent recent reconstruction.
Old Town Hall Laa an der Thaya
Originally the main building in the city center was the Old Town Hall on the town square. Situated on what was formerly the main route, it linked the northern Böhmertor across the large plaza along the Langezeile to the Brüdertor (named after a Minorite monastery immediately within). Renovated and today features a wine market, a South Moravian museum, the municipal library, and an event space, the ancient town hall has centuries-old walls and façade. Apart from reminding the city of its past and development, the Old Town Hall functions as its cultural and commercial center.
The Roland Column (Pranger-Hansl)
Opposing the Old Town Hall is the 1575-dated Roland Column (Pranger-Hansl). Comprising a stone column, it has a monument to the famed warrior and hero of the medieval epic poem The Song of Roland. Apart from a location of public humiliation and punishment for violators and criminals, the column represented the autonomy and justice of the city. The column reminds one of the political and legislative framework of the city as well as of its social and moral standards.
New Town Hall
Built in the years 1898 to 1899, a New Town Hall built in honor of Emperor Franz Joseph I currently dominates the plaza in the typical form of a turn-of- the-century architecture. Inspired by the ideas of Viennese architect and master builder Peter Paul Prang, the edifice was built in the historicist style and shows Laa’s climb to become the political and commercial center of the area. Comprising a clock tower, a balcony, and a coat of arms, the magnificent and striking New Town Hall is Along with a site for formal and celebratory events, it is the seat of the municipal government and the mayor.
The Marian Column
Built in 1680, the Marian Column—also known as the Plague Column—is next to the new town hall. Rising atop a globe, this stone column has a Virgin Mary monument with a scepter and a crown. Built as a votive gift and a token of thanks for the conclusion of the plague pandemic that tore throughout the city in 1679, the column was The column expresses the optimism and thanksfulness as well as the faith and dedication of the city.
An orthodox chapel
2018 saw an orthodox chapel dedicated at the Soviet military cemetery. Sponsored by Russian businessman Oleg Deripaska, whose grandpa was murdered close-by in 1945 and buried at the Soviet military cemetery, this scaled-down replica of a Russian church reflects The chapel honors the Red Army’s dead men who helped to free the city from Nazi rule. Apart from a venue of prayer and remembering, the chapel is a gesture of goodwill and healing between the city and Russia.
The Thayatal National Park
Comprising the Thaya river’s valley, the natural reserve known as Thayatal National Park defines Austria’s boundary from the Czech Republic. Rare and threatened species abound in the park among its great richness of plants and animals. For guests, the park provides hiking, cycling, canoeing, fishing, and animal viewing among other pursuits. Along with a nature museum, tourist center, and a castle remnant, the park has Apart from a site of cross-border collaboration and conservation, the Thayatal National Park is a heaven for nature lovers and explorers.
