map

Feldbach is situated at an altitude of 282 m on the river Raab in eastern Styria. The village was first mentioned in 1188. As it was located at an important ford across the river Feldbach had obtained the status of a market town in 1265. In 1362 it received important further privileges. However, the further development was obstructed by the many feuds between the local noble families during the 14th and 15th centuries. It was during these unsafe times that the elevated area around the old parish church was fortified by a double moat, palisades and a closed ring of small houses that served as a refuge for the inhabitants of Feldbach in times of war. Although partly destroyed during World War II the remnants of this "Tabor" are still an impressive example of the defense architecture of that time. The market town itself was only fortified between 1605 and 1630. The modern development of Feldbach was supported by the opening of the railroad from Graz via Feldbach and Fehring to Budapest; a branch line to Bad Gleichenberg was opened in 1931. In 1884 Feldbach finally obtained the status of a town. During World War I Feldbach was the site of a large military hospital for about 50,000 prisoners, later also for soldiers. During World War II the town was occupied for a while by the Red Army. Although the Soviets withdrew from Feldbach, the town suffered heavy damages due to shelling from the nearby Steinberg hill.

The picture on glass no.1604 [left] shows the Hauptplatz (main square) of Feldbach.

The Mariensäule (Lady Column) [far left] was erected in 1717. After a thorough restoration the column was moved about 10 m to a new site on the square in 2003.