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Leoben was first mentioned in AD 904 as Liupina. In 1173 Leoben is mentioned as a market town (forum Liuben). This old town was situated somewhat outside today's town centre. The new town, situated within a loop of the river Mur, was built in 1261–1280 by King Ottokar II of Bohemia who was also Duke of Styria. By the end of the 13th century Leoben had obtained the formal freedom of the city. Already in the Middle Ages Leoben was an important trading place for iron mined on the Erzberg in Eisenerz and smelted in Vordernberg. The growing importance of the iron industry in the late 14th century brought a boost for the economy of the town. The steel works of Donawitz are still an important factor for the economy of the town. The Montanistic University was transferred to Leoben from Vordernberg in 1908–1910. One of the most popular beers of Austria (Gösser Bier) is brewed in the monastery of Göß since 1860.

The Mauttorturm or Stadtturm (Toll Gate Tower or City Tower) [left] (75.5 m high) is the landmark of Leoben. It was built in 1616 in place of a previous tower (built at the end of the 13th century, restored 1512) and is the only remaining town gate of the old town of Leoben. After an earthquake in 1794 a new roof was added. Because of the shape of this roof the popular name of the tower is 'Schwammerlturm' ('mushroom tower').

 

For the pilgrimage chapel Maria Kaltenbrunn in Leoben-Göss click here.