Freistadt, Medieval market town in Mühlviertel region, Upper Austria
Freistadt is a medieval town in Upper Austria with a well-preserved center of 163 buildings enclosed by fortification walls featuring seven towers. Two major gates provide the main entry points through these defensive structures.
The town was founded in 1220 and grew as a trading center between the Danube and Bohemia. It reached its peak commercial activity from the 14th to 16th centuries as long-distance trade flourished.
The name comes from the town charter that attracted merchants and turned decorated glass into a local craft tradition. Visitors walking through the narrow lanes can still see this heritage in workshops and collections today.
The main square serves as the town center and offers a good starting point for exploring on foot. The fortification walls are accessible and allow you to walk around the entire historic core.
The town preserves a double fortification wall with moats that were later transformed into gardens. Six well-preserved gate passages pierce through this double wall and reveal the complete defensive layout that survives intact.
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