Page 63 - Lienz Treasure Chest

Lienzer Klause – Historical defensive fortress near Leisach
Around 3 km southwest of Lienz, at the entrance to the Puster valley, there
is the Lienzer Klause, which is of great importance in Tyrolean history. The
term Klause, which more commonly is used to mean “hermitage”, here re-
fers to a fortress with the purpose of blocking and defending the road. The
oldest parts date back to 1240, erected by the Bishop of Brixen in defence
against the Gorizian counts. The Klause was the seat of a small courthouse
from the 14th century onwards, which was not merged with the regional
court until 1806. On 8 August 1809, Tyroleans defended the fortress against
French and Italian forces, which outnumbered them by twenty times. Albin
Egger-Lienz immortalised the battle in his famous painting “The Cross”.
Above the fortress is the gunpowder tower. Having collapsed almost entire-
ly in 2003, it is currently being renovated. It will then be reachable via a new-
ly-constructed, secured passageway equipped with information plaques.
Cossack cemetery – The tragedy at the Drava
This cemetery is the burial ground of the Cossacks who died in a camp at
the northern bank of the Drava in the spring of 1945, when the British army
had the camp disbanded in order to hand over the Cossacks to the Red
Army at Judenburg. Only a few managed to escape.
The dramatic events surrounding their forced repatriation were the first in-
cident of worldwide importance to take place in East Tyrol. In 29 graves,
about 300 Cossacks are buried. The Cossacks in Lienz included military
units and their civilian followers who fled from the partisans led by Tito from
North Yugoslavia to Austria via Italy. As early as June 1945, the graves were
dug and the entire area was fenced in. Moreover, a commemorative obelisk
was erected. To its sides, there are two glass icon cases on marble tables:
the left case contains a Marian icon and the right case an icon of Christ
Pantocrator.

Cossack cemetery in Peggetz near Lienz

Galitzenklamm – Experience joy and adventure, up close and personal!
Whether you are looking for relaxation and enjoyment or games, fun
and adventures – you will find what you want in the Galitzenklamm.
Where the Galitzenbach flows into the Drava, there is the entrance to
a unique experience of nature. Imagine a place where you can not only
practically feel the power of the water, but even see it up close. A place
that leaves you stunned upon entering! Walk along the water-viewing
pathway, across spectacular bridges, past steep rock walls or try your
hand at one of the many climbing routes – the choice is yours alone.
For families, the Galitzenklamm offers a family-friendly climbing route
as well as a huge climbing park. Or you can simply enjoy a nice day at
the water playground.

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