Description of the attraction
Tamsweg is an Austrian trading city located in the province of Salzburg near the border with Styria. It is the administrative center of the Tamsweg district of the same name and the largest city in the Lungau Salzburg region.
Since the 8th century, the lands around modern Tamsweg were ruled by the Bavarian dukes. The first documented mention of the Taemswich area dates back to 1156. In 1246, these territories were acquired by Archbishop Eberhard II. In 1433, the church of St. Leonard was built on a hill south of the village of Tamsweg, which gained fame far beyond Austria and became a popular pilgrimage site, which contributed to the economic recovery of the nearby villages.
At the end of the 15th century, the church was expanded into a fortress for defensive purposes against a repeated Ottoman invasion. In 1490, the fortress was occupied by the Hungarian army of King Matthew Corvinus and became the site of fierce battles against the armed forces of Emperor Frederick III.
Since 1571, the residence of Baron von Kuenburg was located in Tamsweg.
Since 1700, the city began to trade in salt and iron, which for more than 200 years were the main sources of income for citizens.
The 19th century brought the region an economic crisis, population decline, poverty and the development of deficits. At the very end of the 19th century, economic growth began again in the city: in 1894 a railway line was opened, in 1897 a power plant was put into operation, and in 1908 a hospital was opened in Tamsweg.
Fragments of the fortress wall of the 16th century, the Mechnerhaus building of the 15th century, the post office of the 18th century are interesting to see. The city is dominated by the famous St. Leonard Church with magnificent stained glass windows from the 15th century and the interior of the late Middle Ages.
In Tamsweg, a colorful holiday is held - the Procession of Samson, when figures of Samson and other mythological heroes made of wood and aluminum are solemnly carried through the city on poles in different cities of this region.
