Feistritz an der Gail
| Feistritz an der Gail | ||
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 Feistritz an der Gail
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| Coordinates: 46°34′N 13°36′E / 46.567°N 13.600°ECoordinates: 46°34′N 13°36′E / 46.567°N 13.600°E | ||
| Country | Austria | |
| State | Carinthia | |
| District | Villach-Land | |
| Government | ||
| • Mayor | Dieter Mörtl | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 20.661 km2 (7.977 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 638 m (2,093 ft) | |
| Population (1 January 2016) | ||
| • Total | 615 | |
| • Density | 30/km2 (77/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) | |
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) | |
| Postal code | 9613 | |
| Area code | 04256 | |
| Website | www.feistritz-gail.or.at | |
Feistritz an der Gail (Slovene: Bistrica na Zilji) is a town in the district of Villach-Land in Carinthia in Austria. It is close to the borders with both Italy and Slovenia. The Black Forest to the south of the town borders the Italian comune of Tarvisio, in the Province of Udine. There are several landmarks of importance in and around the town, including Ulli's Herb Garden, the House of Bats, the Parish Church of St. Martin and Mary Magdalene's Chapel.
Feistritz, the largest community in the Lower Gail Valley, covers an area of some 20 km2 (7.7 sq mi). It is located at an elevation of 638 m (2,093 ft). The town's population, as of 2012, was 649. The forest to the south bordering Italy is named Schwarzwald, meaning Black Forest. Nötsch im Gailtal is located approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) to the north of Feistritz an der Gail. The nearby Feistritzer Alm reaches a height of 1,700 m (5,600 ft) at the foot of the Oisternig (2,052 m (6,732 ft)).
The first documented reference to Feistritz is to be found in a deed from 1119. Breeding of Noriker horses began in the 14th century as the marshy land resulting from the Dorbatsch landspill in 1348 was unsuitable for cattle. The inhabitants of the Gail Valley are known for their courage and sense of business, acquired over centuries of trade, as they transported goods from Italy to Salzburg and Bavaria. Under the rationalization of Austrian municipalities in 1973, the former Municipality of Feistritz became part of the Municipality of Hohenthurn.
Farming is the main economic activity with small to medium-sized holdings although many of the commune's inhabitants commute to Villach or Klagenfurt. In recent years, the town has placed considerable emphasis on infrastructure development such as improving the road network and the water supply while encouraging new businesses which have provided 50 new jobs.
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Wikipedia