Villach Sights and Landmarks Guide, Austria

A visit to Villach is certainly a visual treat. It will mesmerize you with tradition, religion and modernity. Add the stunning vista of the surrounding mountains and lakes that accompany these Villach Sights and the experience will be a truly enthralling combination.

Villach Sights – Notable Landmarks

A city rich in history, Villach showcases these through its numerous castles and churches built in the course of its existence. Through these landmarks, visitors can imbibe the unique historical blend that has survived this remarkable city throughout the ages. These attractions go to show that Villach remains to be one of the most favored places in Austria making it closely compared to Graz Sights.

Landskron Castle. Landskron is an old fortress whose remains still sit on top of a hill. Although it was nearly destroyed during a fire in the 19th century, some of its halls can still be visited. Now, the castle includes a restaurant that offers a special medieval dinner served by attendants in medieval costume, a monkey park, and an ornithological station for birds of prey seen in their cages.

St. Jakob Church. It is a 14th century three-aisled Gothic hall parish church with an impressive detached bell tower, which is the largest in Carinthia. First mentioned in a document in 1136, it became the first Protestant Church in Austria in 1526. It was later re-catholicized. Its present height and appearance goes way back to the mid-19th century. Another interesting note to this church is the carved gravestones of old prominent noble families of the 16th century, such as the Khevenhüllers.

Kirche zum Heiligen Kreuz. Considered one of the most beautiful Baroque-style churches in Austria, Heiligen Kreuz is the successor to St. Peter’s. First recognized as a parish church in 1244 by the Patriarch of Aquileia, it was mentioned in history in 1203 and could probably be older.

Hauptplatz. This is Villach’s main square where many Medieval and Renaissance courts and burgher abodes reveal the city’s once glorious days. Visitors can enjoy walking around the area as most of the town is paved.

Villach Sights – Museums

Villach boasts of many museums that depict the city’s culture, art and history. There is a wide range from art and photo galleries to interest museums like the one specialized in dolls.

Museum der Stadt Villach. Situated in an old townhouse in the heart of Villach, this museum provides a nice exhibition of Villach history, art, and culture. Because Villach is famous for mining, it also introduces the different minerals found in the area and mining techniques used by its people.

Museum of Doll Art. This museum houses a variety of doll collections ranging from porcelain, vinyl, and wooden dolls which were handcrafted by famous artists. Some of them were even created in the museum’s very own studio. At the basement, other kinds of crafts are also displayed.

The humble beginnings of the city are seen in landmarks while a wide array of artifacts and collections are seen in museums included in the list of Villach Sights. Extending your stay in Austria means exploring other famous attractions in the country like the equally historical, religious and pleasurable places listed in Vienna Sights.