Villach, Statutory city in Carinthia, Austria
Villach is a city in southern Austria where two rivers meet and several valleys come together. The old town sits on the left bank of the Drau, with streets leading to a central square and bridges connecting different neighborhoods.
Roman troops founded a settlement here in the province of Noricum that later became a junction for trade routes. In the Middle Ages the place received town rights and grew into an important market between north and south.
The name comes from the Latin term for a Roman rest station that welcomed travelers near warm springs. Today you see this legacy in the historic buildings around the main square, where markets and festivals take place.
The city sits at the crossing of several highways and rail lines running to Italy, Slovenia and the rest of Austria. The center is best explored on foot since most sights are close to each other.
In the Warmbad district springs emerge whose water remains warm all year and once supplied bathhouses. Some hotels and public buildings still use this natural heat to warm their rooms today.
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