A ducal castle founded about 1170 by Ottokar IV in the belt of frontier forts behind the Lafnitz, with a street market recorded in 1178 and the name in 1183.
The Knights Hospitaller set up a commandery and built the first church about 1200 (whether before 1 January is not pinned; Herrand of Wildon supported them from 1197). Leopold VI makes it a planned town in 1215-1220; forum et civitas in 1232.
Who holds it
- Name
- Leopold VI, duke of Styria
- Title
- Lord
- Confidence
- high
Lord in 1200
The duke of Styria (ducal castle since about 1170).
How things stand that morning
A ducal frontier castle and market.
Charter
Planned town 1215-1220; forum et civitas 1232 (not yet).
Council
None pinned.
Communities
The Hospitallers (about 1200).
Fairs and markets
A street market by 1178.
Militia
The castle garrison; not recorded.
Walls and castle
The ducal castle (about 1170).
Trade and crafts
The road east into Hungary.
Where the sources disagree
Evidence: From the town article; the Hospitallers' date is 'about 1200'.
Primary sources for Styria
Chronicles, registers, sagas and inscriptions written in or near 1200 that cover this entry. Each has its own page with editions, translations and where to read it.
- The Austrian and Salzburg annals (kept in the 12th and 13th centuries, with continuations to the late 13th century). A family of monastic annals from Austria, Styria and Salzburg, printed together. Read online
Sources and studies
Last revised 4 November 2026. Published 4 November 2026. Suggest a correction on the OMNIA Discord.