The best gravel rides in Zwettl

Imposing, sturdy building directly on the riverbank. Unusual at first glance, very interesting and worth seeing.

Really lovingly arranged, and always worth a photo.

The view from the parking lot is simply beautiful. Directly below you lies Weißenkirchen, to the left Dürnstein, and far in the distance on the horizon Göttweig Abbey.

Originally, after the town's founding, Trinity Square was part of Zwettl's main square, which at that time stretched as an extensive triangular plaza from the townhouses behind the Hundertwasser Fountain to the level of the Hausleitner house above the "Zur Goldenen Rose" inn. The construction of houses along the lower Landstraße, the so-called "Grätzl," significantly narrowed the main square, and the addition of the cross street eventually divided it into two squares.

During the Baroque period, people everywhere were eager to express their gratitude for overcoming the plague years and the Turkish Wars by erecting plague or Trinity columns. In 1727, the pillory in the upper square was replaced by the richly sculpted sandstone column created by Kaspar Högl of Eggenburg. During the last renovation in 1998, extensive environmental damage to the figures was repaired, and the entire column was painted a light yellow. The four life-size statues are, in the center at the front, the Immaculate Conception; to her left, St. Sebastian (pierced by five arrows); to her right, St. Roch (pointing to the plague boil on his thigh); and St. Florian (holding a flag in one hand and a bucket of water in the other). The iron fountain in the immediate vicinity of the Trinity Column is a gift from the then-mayor, Eugen Beck, of the twin town of Plochingen near Stuttgart.

The **fortified church of St. Michael** in the Wachau is a fascinating historical building that not only impresses with its architecture but also plays a significant role in the region's history. Here are some interesting aspects of the church: 1. **History and Significance**: - The fortified church was once the seat of a far-reaching parish and is considered the **mother church of the Wachau**. - It stands on the site of a small Celtic settlement and thus has a long and eventful history. 2. **Architecture**: - The church is built in the **Romanesque style** and is characterized by its robust construction, which marks it as a fortified church. - Particularly noteworthy are the **thick walls** and the **tower**, which served as a defensive structure. 3. **Opening Hours**: - The fortified church is open daily from **March to October** from **8 AM to 6 PM** up to the gate. - In the winter months, it is accessible on **Sundays and public holidays**. 4. **Cultural Events**: - The church is not only a place of worship but also a popular venue for **concerts** and cultural events that underscore the historical atmosphere of the church. The fortified church of St. Michael is therefore an important cultural heritage of the Wachau, attracting both history enthusiasts and architecture lovers.

At the beginning of the 13th century, Hadmar II of Kuenring had the castle town of Weitra built. Since its founding, Weitra held the central military, administrative, judicial, and ecclesiastical functions in the so-called "Districtus Witrensis" (District of Witrensis). It was also a central market town and refuge in times of war. In the 16th century, the castle was rebuilt into a magnificent Renaissance palace according to plans by Pietro Ferrabosco. In 1994, the palace was renovated by Prince Johannes zu Fürstenberg and opened to the public. More on the history: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schloss_Weitra

In Armschlag, you can experience a huge collection of unique and superlative objects centered around the delicate poppy: For almost 30 years, the "Poppy Village" has delighted visitors with its giant poppy capsules, a unique "POPPY memoir," the longest poppy painting, and the largest poppy mill collection.