Feldbach, Austria

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Feldbach
Coat of arms Location
Wappen or image_coa
Feldbach, Austria (Austria)
Feldbach, Austria
Administration
Country Flag of Austria Austria
State Styria
District Feldbach
Mayor Kurt Deutschmann (SPÖ)
Basic statistics
Area 3.2 km² (1.2 sq mi)
Elevation 282 m  (925 ft)
Population 4,766  (31/12/2005)
 - Density 1,489 /km² (3,857 /sq mi)
Other information
Time zone CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2)
Licence plate FB
Postal code 8330
Area codes +43 3152
Website www.feldbach-stadt.at

Coordinates: 46°57′00″N 15°53′00″E / 46.95, 15.883333

Feldbach is a town in the southeast of the Austrian state of Styria, near the Slovenian and Hungarian border. It is located in the valley around the river Raab.

[edit] History

Findings from the Neolithic prove the early existence of a settlement in the area, where Feldbach is located. The name "Feldbach" was first mentioned in 1188 as "Velwinbach". A parish exists since 1232.

In 1469 Feldbach was devastated by rebellious troops. Most likely this was the reason why the "Tabor", a medieval fortress was built.

In the 15th century Feldbach was the setting of many conflicts between rival aristocratic families which caused destruction and pillages in the town. Finally, after the Hajduks (which accompanied the attacking Ottoman Turks) destroyed the whole town, except the Tabor hill, a closed fortification with several gates was built.

Feldbach experienced a major economic upswing after the Hungarian Western railroad was opened in 1873. At the same time the nearby spa Bad Gleichenberg became well known.

During World War I a prisoner-of-war camp existed in Feldbach.