Mistelbach Explained

Mistelbach
Native Name:Mistlboch
Pushpin Map:Austria
Pushpin Mapsize:270
Pushpin Map Caption:Location within Austria
Coordinates:48.5667°N 16.5667°W
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:Austria
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Name1:Lower Austria
Subdivision Type2:District
Subdivision Name2:Mistelbach
Parts Style:para
Leader Title:Mayor
Leader Name:Erich Stubenvoll
Elevation M:190
Population Density Km2:auto
Timezone:CET
Timezone Dst:CEST
Utc Offset:+1
Utc Offset Dst:+2
Registration Plate:MI
Postal Code Type:Postal code
Postal Code:2130
Area Code Type:Area code
Area Code:02572
Website:www.mistelbach.at

Mistelbach an der Zaya (pronounced as /de/; Mistelbach on the (River) Zaya; Central Bavarian: Mistlboch) is a town in the northeast of Austria in Lower Austria, one of Austria's nine federal states. It is located roughly 40 km northeast of Austria's capital Vienna. Furthermore, it consists of 8 subordinated municipalities.

Geographical location

Mistelbach is located in the North East of Lower Austria's Wine Quarter (Weinviertel), approximately 25 to 30 km from the Czech and the Slovak borders. It lies next to the main road connection between Brno (Czech Republic) and Vienna (Road B7).

History

Early settlements in the Mistelbach area can be traced back to pre-Christian times.

Around 1130 Mistelbach was mentioned on official deeds for the first time. After the Lords of Mistelbach had ceased around 1370 the initially royal estates of Wilfersdorf were given to the House of Lichtenstein.

Mistelbach was granted its first right to hold markets in 1372. Today, the town still hosts four markets per year. Mistelbach received its town charter July 5, 1874.

In the 19th century Mistelbach was strongly influenced by its connection to the Austrian Eastern Railway. It eventually became the district's capital and schools were built. In the 20th century Mistelbach experienced difficulties caused by its geographical proximity to the Iron Curtain. Nevertheless, the town developed into a regional center of the Eastern Winequarter (Weinviertel).

Population

According to the 2011 census, Mistelbach had 10,963 residents, compared to a 2001 census population of 10,644. In 1991 Mistelbach counted 10,234 residents, in 1981 10,251 and in 1971 10,235.

Politics

The post of mayor is held by Mr. Chrisitan Balon. Mr. Gabauer acts as Chief Municipal Officer.After local elections March 6, 2005 the 37 seats of the Municipal Council are divided as follows:ÖVP (Austrian Christian Democratic Party): 20 seats, SPÖ (Austrian Social Democratic Party): 11 seats, LAB: 3 seats, Green Party of Austria: 2 seats, and FPÖ (Austrian Freedom Party): 1 seat.

Schools

Sights

built around 1500, with a gothic Madonna out of sandstone

built around 1200

built 1687, with precious ceiling frescos by Kainz, Rossaforte and Maulpertsch

including the Hermann Nitsch Museum, opened in May 2007[1]

Hermann Nitsch lived near Mistelbach, in the small village of Prinzendorf. The artist is famous for his unconventional style and for his performance art, for which he also faces considerable criticism.[2]

Mistelbach is also home to one of the region's most popular, though traditional Vienna-style coffee houses "Cafe Harlekin" which has become an icon of the city's lifestyle over the years.[4]

Subordinated municipalities

Economy and infrastructure

In 2001 there were 583 non-agricultural enterprises in Mistelbach. In 1999 agriculture- and forestry-related enterprises amounted to 281. According to 2001 census data 4,776 people out of the total population worked in Mistelbach. The labor force participation rate is 45.9%.

Notable people

Sports

External links

Notes and References

  1. http://www.hermann-nitsch-museum.at hermann-nitsch-museum.at
  2. http://www.nitsch.org nitsch.org
  3. http://www.siebenhirten.at siebenhirten.at
  4. http://www.cafe-harlekin.at cafe-harlekin.at