Feldbach, Austria

Infobox Ort in Österreich
Art = Stadt
Name = Feldbach
Wappen =
lat_deg = 46 | lat_min = 57 | lat_sec = 00
lon_deg = 15 | lon_min = 53 | lon_sec = 00
Lageplan =
Bundesland = Steiermark
Bezirk = Feldbach
Höhe = 282
Fläche = 3.2
Einwohner = 4766
Stand = 2005-12-31
PLZ = 8330
Vorwahl = +43 3152
Kfz = FB
Gemeindekennziffer = 60411
NUTS = AT224
Adresse = Hauptplatz 13 8330 Feldbach
Website = [http://www.feldbach-stadt.at www.feldbach-stadt.at]
Bürgermeister = Kurt Deutschmann
Partei = SPÖ
Gemeinderatanzahl = 21
Gemeinderat = 12 SPÖ, 7 ÖVP, 1 FPÖ, 1 Grüne
Wahljahr = 2005

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.

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.