History Of Villach

The earliest evidence of human presence in Villach can be traced back to the late Neolithic period, around 3000 BC. Archaeologists have discovered various artifacts, such as pottery, stone tools, and ornaments, that indicate the existence of a settlement in the area. The location of Villach was favorable for human habitation, as it offered access to the Drava river, the fertile valleys, and the nearby mountains. The inhabitants of Villach were likely engaged in farming, hunting, fishing, and trading with other groups. Some of the most notable archaeological sites in Villach include the Gracarca hillfort, the Tscheltschnigkogel burial mound, and the Magdalensberg Celtic oppidum.

Villach’s history entered a new phase with the arrival of the Romans, who conquered the region in the 1st century BC. Villach became part of the Roman province of Noricum, which was established in 15 BC. The Romans built a network of roads, bridges, forts, and settlements in the area, connecting Italy with the rest of the empire. One of the most important roads was the Römerweg, which ran through Villach and crossed the Drava river. Along this road, there was likely a place called Sanctium, which served as a mansio, a resting station for travelers and officials. Sanctium was located near the hot spring in the Warmbad quarter, which is now situated south of the city center. The hot spring was used by the Romans for bathing and healing purposes, and it is still in operation today. Numerous Roman artifacts have been unearthed in Villach and its surroundings, such as coins, pottery, inscriptions, statues, and mosaics. Some of these can be seen in the Villach City Museum and the Museum of Warmbad.

After the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century AD, Villach was invaded and settled by various Germanic and Slavic tribes. The most influential of these were the Bavarians and the Carantanians, who established the principality of Carantania in the 7th century. Carantania was the first Slavic state to be recognized by the Franks and the Byzantines, and it had its own legal and political system, known as the Carantanian Law. Villach was part of the Carantanian territory, and it retained some of its Slavic heritage, such as the name of the city, which derives from the Slavic word “vilika”, meaning “large”. However, Carantania was gradually incorporated into the Frankish Empire and later into the Duchy of Bavaria. In the 8th century, Christianity was introduced to the region by missionaries from Salzburg and Aquileia. Villach became part of the diocese of Salzburg, which exerted a strong influence on the religious and cultural life of the city.

Villach’s medieval history was marked by the rise of the feudal system and the ecclesiastical power. In 979, Emperor Otto II granted the Villach manor to Bishop Albuin of Brixen, who became the lord of the city and its surroundings. The bishops of Brixen also acquired the neighboring estates along the Römerweg, extending up to Pontafel. They maintained their ownership of these lands until 1759, despite the frequent conflicts with the dukes of Carinthia, who ruled the rest of the region. Villach was granted market rights in 1060, which allowed it to develop its trade and commerce. The first mention of the parish church dedicated to St. James dates back to 1136. The church was later rebuilt in the Gothic style and became the main landmark of the city. In 1222, Emperor Frederick II granted the citizens of Villach the right to hold an annual fair on July 25th, known as Jakobitag. This fair attracted merchants and craftsmen from near and far, and boosted the economy and the culture of the city. Villach was officially recognized as a town around 1240, and the first recorded mayor assumed office in the 16th century.

The 16th and 17th centuries were turbulent times for Villach, as the town experienced religious, political, and social changes. Starting in 1526, a significant number of citizens embraced Protestantism, following the teachings of Martin Luther and other reformers. Villach became a center of the Protestant movement in Carinthia, and the majority of the population converted to the new faith. However, this provoked the opposition of the Catholic bishops of Brixen, who launched a campaign of Counter-Reformation. They imposed harsh measures against the Protestants, such as confiscating their property, banning their books, and expelling them from the town. Many prominent citizens, such as merchants, artisans, and scholars, were forced to leave Villach, which led to a decline in the economy and the culture of the town. The Protestant resistance was finally crushed in 1600, when the bishop ordered the demolition of the Protestant church and the execution of its pastor. Villach was restored to Catholicism, but at a high cost.

Villach also suffered from natural disasters and wars during this period. In 1348, the town was hit by a devastating earthquake, which destroyed many buildings and killed many people. Another strong earthquake occurred in 1690, causing further damage and casualties. Villach was also affected by several fires, which broke out in 1453, 1492, 1524, 1566, 1595, and 1695. These fires ravaged the town and consumed many of its historical and artistic monuments. Villach was also involved in several military conflicts, such as the Turkish invasions, the Peasant Wars, the Thirty Years’ War, and the War of the Spanish Succession. These wars brought destruction, plundering, and disease to the town and its inhabitants. Villach was often besieged, occupied, and looted by various armies, such as the Turks, the Hungarians, the Swedes, the French, and the Bavarians. Villach’s population and prosperity declined significantly as a result of these calamities.

The 18th and 19th centuries were periods of recovery and growth for Villach, as the town benefited from the reforms and developments of the Habsburg monarchy. In 1759, Empress Maria Theresa purchased the Bamberg territories in Carinthia, including Villach, for one million florins. Villach was incorporated into the “hereditary lands” of the Habsburgs and became the administrative center of a district in Carinthia. The town was modernized and expanded, with new buildings, roads, bridges, and public services. The population increased and the economy diversified, with the emergence of new industries, such as ironworks, textiles, and paper. Villach also became a cultural and educational hub, with the establishment of schools, libraries, theaters, and newspapers. The town was visited by several notable figures, such as Emperor Joseph II, Archduke John of Austria, and Ludwig van Beethoven.

Villach’s progress was further enhanced by the arrival of the railway in 1864, which connected the town with Vienna, Graz, Klagenfurt, and Trieste. The railway opened new markets and opportunities for trade and tourism, and also facilitated the movement of people and goods. Villach became a popular destination for travelers, especially for those seeking the thermal baths of Warmbad. The town also attracted many immigrants, especially from Italy and Slovenia, who contributed to the diversity and vitality of the town. Villach’s population reached 6,104 by 1880, and the town was granted the status of a city in 1892. Villach was one of the most prosperous and dynamic cities in Carinthia, and played an important role in the economic and social development of the region.

Villach’s history in the 20th and 21st centuries was marked by the impact of the two world wars, the Cold War, and the European integration. During World War I, Villach, located near the Italian front, served as the headquarters for the 10th Army command of the Austro-Hungarian Army. The town was heavily bombed by the Italian and British air forces, and suffered from food shortages and epidemics. After the war, Villach became part of the newly established Republic of Austria, which was later annexed by Nazi Germany in 1938. Villach was again a target of Allied bombings during World War II, and was occupied by the British forces in 1945. The town was severely damaged and many of its inhabitants were killed or displaced. Villach was also affected by the post-war division of Europe, as it was located near the border with Yugoslavia, which became a communist state. Villach was a transit point for many refugees and defectors, and also a site of espionage and tension.

Villach’s recovery and reconstruction began in the late 1940s and early 1950s, with the help of the Marshall Plan and the Austrian State Treaty. The town was rebuilt and modernized, with new infrastructure, housing, and public facilities. The economy was diversified and industrialized, with the development of sectors such as metallurgy, electronics, engineering, and tourism. Villach also became a cultural and scientific center, with the establishment of the Carinthian University of Applied Sciences, the Villach Culture Festival, and the Villach Carnival. The town also benefited from the opening of the borders and the integration of Austria into the European Union in 1995. Villach became a crossroads of cultures and a hub of cooperation and exchange in the region. Villach’s population reached 62,648 by 2020, and the town was recognized as one of the most livable and innovative cities in Austria. Villach continues to play a significant role in the history and the future of Carinthia and Europe.

As part of the Alpine Convention, an international treaty for the protection and sustainable development of the Alps, Villach was named the first Alpine town of the year in 1997. This award recognized Villach’s efforts and achievements in preserving and enhancing its natural and cultural heritage, promoting its economic and social well-being, and fostering its cooperation and solidarity with other Alpine regions. Villach also received a Europe-wide award in 2014 for its commitment to environmental protection and renewable energy. Villach is a leader in implementing innovative and eco-friendly solutions, such as district heating, solar power, electric mobility, and waste management.

In 2014, Villach was awarded the honorary title of Reformation City of Europe by the Community of Evangelical Churches in Europe. This title honored Villach’s role and contribution in the history and legacy of the Protestant Reformation, a religious and social movement that challenged the authority and practices of the Catholic Church in the 16th century. Villach was one of the first cities in Austria to embrace the Reformation, led by the preacher Paul Speratus, who was also the author of one of the hymns in Martin Luther’s first hymnal. Villach became a center of Protestantism in Carinthia, attracting many followers and refugees from other regions. Villach also faced persecution and repression from the Catholic Counter-Reformation, which tried to restore the Catholic faith and order in the region. Villach’s Protestant community survived and thrived, despite the difficulties and challenges, and continues to be an active and vibrant part of the city’s life.