With an impressive area of 10,200 m², the main square in Sitzendorf an der Schmida is one of the largest town squares in Austria - it need not fear comparison with the main square in Retz with 12,000 m² or even the one in Linz with 13,140 m². In terms of historical atmosphere, rural charm and cultural significance, it is in no way inferior to the better-known squares: The building fabric is of art-historical value and ranges from Gothic to Renaissance, Baroque, Historicism and Art Nouveau. Most of the town houses on the square date back to the 16th century.
In 2004, the main square was redesigned to further emphasize its historical character. Events are regularly held in the area of the main square.
From moated castle to school - living history
An architectural jewel on the main square is the building of today's Sitzendorf secondary school. Few people know about it: There used to be a castle here, which dominated the square for centuries. Parts of the historic walls have been preserved to this day - including the mighty portal and the remains of walls dating back to the 17th century. The former castle complex was integrated into the school building and today combines education with history - a place where past and future meet.
The parish church of St. Martin - spiritual center
The exterior of the originally Romanesque pillar basilica with transept - the parish church of St. Martin - is today characterized above all by the Gothic and Baroque styles. During the interior renovation of the church in 2001, a particularly valuable art-historical discovery was made: a tumbra cover of the knight "Hanns von Wulfestorffer", who died in 1504. The tomb slab was restored and can be viewed in the Sitzendorf parish church.
Historical walk
A signposted tour of the main square, which starts in front of the municipal office in Sitzendorf, provides information on these and many other historic buildings and all sorts of interesting facts about the history.
