Taking a break at the steam engine, which drove from farm to farm to power the machines. © Rudolf Pargfrieder

A / OOE: Kirchschlag bei Linz: Topotheque online

Kirchschlag near Linz, a municipality in Upper Austria, has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. The first traces of human settlement can be found along old trade routes that ran through the region. Kirchschlag was first mentioned in a document in 1349, when a branch church of Hellmonsödt was founded. In the 16th century, the parish was influenced by the Reformation before becoming Catholic again in the course of the Counter-Reformation

In the 19th century, Kirchschlag was very popular with respected middle-class families from Linz as a climatic health resort and for local recreation. The construction of country villas began and the region developed into a popular destination for summer holidays. Even though Kirchschlag was not able to establish itself as Bad Kirchschlag, it attracted many people who appreciated the fresh air and rural idyll. In addition, as in many places in the Mühlviertel, social life was strongly characterised by hard work in agriculture. Many also served in the volunteer fire department, which can look back on a 100-year history in Kronabitt this year. Therefore, this Topotheque begins with a focus on the fire department, followed by other historical topics.

kirchschlag.topothek.at