Lederergasse

One of the most picturesque areas of the city is the historic center, where you can find Lederergasse, a narrow street shaded by colorful umbrellas in the summer. Lederergasse is a popular spot for taking photos and enjoying the atmosphere of the old town.

Lederergasse, which means “leather street” in German, is one of the oldest streets in Villach. It was named after the leather workers who used to live and work here in the Middle Ages. Today, Lederergasse is a pedestrian zone with many shops, cafés, and restaurants. It is also the location of an annual art installation that features hundreds of umbrellas hanging above the street, creating a colorful canopy. The umbrellas are usually installed in June and stay until September, attracting many locals and tourists who come to admire the spectacle and take photos. The umbrellas are also a symbol of solidarity and diversity, as they represent the different cultures and languages of the people who live in Villach and the Alpe-Adria region.

Parish Church of St. Jakob

At the southern end of Lederergasse, you will find the Parish Church of St. Jakob, the main church of Villach. The church dates back to the 14th century and has a Gothic style with a Baroque interior. The church tower is 94 meters high and is the tallest in Carinthia. You can climb up the tower and enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the mountains. The church also contains many artworks, such as the altarpiece by Thomas von Villach, the oldest organ in Carinthia, and the tomb of Paracelsus, a famous physician and alchemist who died in Villach in 1541.

Dinzlschloss

A short walk from Lederergasse, you will find Dinzlschloss, a castle that was built in the 16th century by the noble family of Dinzl. The castle was later used as a school, a hospital, and a museum. Today, it is a cultural center that hosts exhibitions, concerts, and events. You can visit the castle and see the historical rooms, such as the chapel, the library, and the hall of mirrors. You can also admire the paintings, sculptures, and furniture that decorate the castle. Dinzlschloss is open from Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (except on Tuesdays, when it closes at 7 p.m.). The admission is free.

Laderpärchen In Bronze

Another attraction near Lederergasse is the Laderpärchen In Bronze, a bronze sculpture of a couple carrying a load of hay. The sculpture is located on the 8th of May Square, in front of the city hall. It was created by the artist Giselbert Hoke in 1981 and is a tribute to the farmers and workers who contributed to the development of Villach. The sculpture is also a reminder of the traditional haymaking festival that takes place every year in Villach, where people dress up in costumes and parade with hay wagons through the city.

Monument of Names

If you walk along the river Drau, you will come across the Monument of Names, a memorial that honors the victims of the Nazi regime in Villach. The monument consists of a wall with 457 names of people who were killed, deported, or persecuted by the Nazis. The names are engraved on metal plates that are attached to the wall. The monument was inaugurated in 1995 and is a place of remembrance and reflection. The monument is located on Widmanngasse, near the bridge over the Drau.

Villach, Austria