Hotel Fugger

Visiting Christian Churches

by aliante1981

Christian churches - be they Protestant, Orthodox, or Catholic - are a vital part of Europeýs cultural, artistic, architectural, and religious heritage, and as such you are likely (and I really recommend doing this:)) ) to visit many of them. However, most of them are even today not only major tourist attractions, but also religious sites where people come to pray. This is something to be respected, and here are several pieces of advice I would like to give that might help avoid ill-feeling:

- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and most part of the legs (women in Orthodox churches might be requested to put on something to cover the head);

- Do not speak loudly - all the descriptions are better either read in silence or given outside;

- Try not to walk too much during the service;

- Avoid using flash in your camera near people you see praying;

- Respect notes that forbid entrance to some parts of the church that are designated as ýfor prayer onlyý.

Following these simple guidelines helped me when I visited, I guess, more than 1000 churches up to date:)))

The church of St. Jakob

by Bjorgvin

The parish church of St. Jakob.
This Gothic church goes back to 1136 (reconstructed 14th–15th centuries). St.Jacob's was the first protestant church in Austria, but later it became a catholic church again.

Villacher!!

by randjrj

"About Villach"

This is the home of Wolfgang Puck...at least where he grew up. The town is a quaint little town which has a couple outstanding restaurants. In December the Christmas markets are fantastic. They brew Villacher beer here, and it's a good lighter lager. VSV Villach EC is the local ice hockey team, and the games against local rivals Klagenfurt (a slightly ritzier city to the south) are a must see.

There isn't a lot of shopping in town, but there is some outstanding hiking and skiing available in the surrounding mountains. The Slovenian Alps loom to the East, and are very scenic. They can be seen from the surrounding foothills.

sandravdp's new Villach Page

by sandravdp

I visited Villach several times. The last time I was here was in 1994. When I was a kid, my parents went there with me and my little brother a lot. They had a real passion for Austria until our favourite camping was broken down for a fancy hotel with a tenniscourt :(

That really was a pity, but I think Villach is still a very nice city to see.