Spittal an der Drau description and photos - Austria: Carinthia (Topic)

Spittal an der Drau description and photos - Austria: Carinthia. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is Spittal an der Drau.

Photo and description

Spittal an der Drau is an old Austrian city located on the banks of the Drava River in the western part of the federal state of Carinthia. It is the administrative center of the Spittal district.

The first documentary mention of the Spittal settlement dates back to 1191. Archbishop Adalbert's act refers to the construction of a hospital with a chapel next to the ancient road. Construction began by order of Otto II. Gradually, a village appeared around the hospital, which received market rights in 1242. In 1418 these territories were transferred to Count Herman Celje. In 1478, the local lands were devastated by the Turkish wars, and later were occupied by Hungarian troops and the longtime rival of Emperor Frederick - King Matthias Corvin. A series of peasant uprisings and fires followed, the atmosphere in Spittal was depressing. The situation changed in 1524 when the Austrian Archduke Ferdinand I entrusted the local lands to his treasurer Gabriel von Salamanca. In 1533, Salamanca built his residence on the main square of Spittal - the Palazzo Portia, which is considered one of the most beautiful Renaissance buildings in Austria. The hospital was rebuilt, as well as the late Gothic Catholic parish church of the Annunciation of Mary.

In 1797, Spittal was besieged by French troops, and in 1809 withdrew to the Illyrian French provinces in accordance with the Schonbrunn Treaty. Spittal returned to the Austrian Empire in 1815, after which its economic recovery began, which was greatly facilitated by the emergence of a railway connection.

Today, the Portia Palace hosts a festival of theatrical comedies every year, and part of the palazzo is given over to the local history museum. In addition, the largest private model of the railway can be seen in Spittal. Spittal an der Drau itself is a member of the Association of Small Historic Towns.

5 km north-west of Spittal are the ruins of an early Christian church and a museum that houses a collection of coins and inscriptions from the times of Celtic peoples' residence here and Romans.

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Topic: Spittal an der Drau description and photos - Austria: Carinthia.