Anniversary in Schwaz

“From a small town to a city worth living in”

Historian Ursula Kirchner with the certificate naming the town.

(Bild: Christof Birbaumer/Manuel Schwaiger/Krone KREATIV)

The Tyrolean district capital of Schwaz has a long history and has always been an important center in the province. Not only because it used to be much larger than Innsbruck. This year, Schwaz is celebrating 125 years of being a town. The "Krone" went in search of clues.

"Sûates" was the name of today's silver town in ancient times. The name first appeared in a document in 930/31. However, it was a long time before Schwaz became a town. The time had come on April 28, 1899. To mark the 125th anniversary, the "Krone" met with Ursula Kirchner, historian and head of the town archive. "Schwaz has always been very important, at least since the Middle Ages, because it was the largest settlement in Tyrol, larger than Innsbruck. It was twice to three times as big. The economic factor of silver mining was also very important."

Important in the application was the mention of the lively association system in the town.

Historikerin Ursula Kirchner

Large, but still not a town for a long time
The question that arises today: Why the silver town did not become a town back in the Middle Ages. However, we don't know exactly. "There are no clear sources on this. And it was never a big issue until the 19th century. In 1876, the governor of Innsbruck made a note for the first time that Schwaz should submit an application. However, this was then rejected, partly for cost reasons," explains the historian.

Excavation finds document the rich history of Schwaz.

(Bild: Birbaumer Christof)

Imst awakened ambition
The decisive factor was the year 1898, when Imst was elevated to the status of a town, which aroused the ambition of the people of Schwaz. "The driving force behind this was Otto Hussl, director of the majolica and earthenware factory. For a national and world exhibition, he wanted to present his factory in a city and not in a village or a market town." As Hussl was also politically active, he submitted the application to the Emperor together with the mayor at the time, Alfred Wagner.

The photo shows the district town in earlier times.

(Bild: Stadtarchiv Schwaz)

Political advantages too
After Schwaz met all the requirements - infrastructure, town hall, jobs, population, size, leisure facilities, etc. - Emperor Franz Joseph I gave the green light. "It was very important that the application included the fact that Schwaz has such a strong association system and that this particularly strengthens the community and cohesion," explains Kirchner.

The advantages that resulted for Schwaz from its status as a town: "You are perceived and recognized differently and have a different status. It also has political advantages. As the mayor of a town, you are perceived differently to the mayor of any village."

The silver city today.

(Bild: Manuel Schwaiger)

New town chronicle published just in time for the festival
With regard to the highlights of the past 125 years, Kirchner mentions "the takeover of the municipal utilities, many social projects that were implemented and also a great many construction measures. There were many business settlements from which Schwaz still benefits today".

Finally, the head of the city archive reveals what particularly fascinates her as a historian about the silver city. "The diversity of Schwaz. The development from this small town to a metropolis, which has fallen from time to time, recovered and is now a very beautiful and liveable city." By the way: to mark the 125th anniversary, Kirchner is publishing a newly revised town chronicle. It will be available in time for the celebrations.

The application for town status was submitted in beautiful handwriting.

(Bild: Birbaumer Christof)

Interview

„Schwaz hat viel zu bieten“

In an interview with the "Krone", Schwaz Mayor Victoria Weber talks about the beauty and challenges of the silver town of Schwaz.

"Krone": Historian Ursula Kirchner talks about Schwaz as a beautiful town worth living in. What is so beautiful and worth living in the silver town?
Victoria Weber: Schwaz has a lot to offer, we are very differently structured. On the one hand, it is very traditional and historic with a beautiful old town, beautiful buildings and traditional associations that maintain their customs. On the other hand, there is a lot that is new and very modern. Different cultures and arts. The mixture is very interesting.

Mayor Victoria Weber in the heart of the city.

(Bild: Manuel Schwaiger)

What significance does Schwaz have for Tyrol?
As a district capital that is not exactly small, an exchange with the state is important and also takes place. On a small scale, you can see what issues we are dealing with and where the state needs to address these issues.

What are the current challenges?
On the one hand, inflation, and on the other hand, increasing transfer payments and obligations combined with decreasing support were very drastic when drawing up the budget. It became clear that we were facing a funding shortfall.

Freundsberg Castle is one of the sights.

(Bild: Manuel Schwaiger)

Where should the silver town develop over the next 25 years?
Schwaz needs to expand its infrastructure. Be it in childcare, education or local public transport. At the same time, it needs a balance with quiet zones and recreational areas.

Which three sights are a must for tourists?
Freundsberg Castle, the parish church and the silver mine.

What do you wish the citizens for the anniversary?
I wish them a good and happy life in our town and, above all, good cooperation. We have proven this over many years. We have a high level of volunteering and helpfulness.