3. See Villach on a Walking Tour of its Old Churches
Exploring Villach’s many fine old churches is a great way to get to know the layout of the city. Of its numerous other old places of worship, one of the most impressive is the Holy Cross Church (Heiligenkreuzkirche). Located just a 10-minute walk east of the Church of St. Jakob, this elegant building certainly stands out for its coral pink exterior.
Constructed in the 18th century, it’s also popular among photographers and selfie-takers for its ornate twin towers. Be sure to check out the church’s interior, too. Highlights of its attractive interior include the excellent frescoes in the vaults, which were added in the 1960s.
The Parish Church of St. Martin (Pfarrkirche Villach St. Martin) is also worth seeing. Head back to the Hauptplatz and keep going west (it’s just an extra 10-minute walk) and you’ll be rewarded with a view of one of Austria’s most attractive Baroque high altars. Of special note is its Late Gothic Madonna. If you’ve got time, squeeze in a visit to the Parish Church of St. Kreuz (Kirche Zum Heiligen Kreuz). This fine 18th-century structure boasts an unusual three-story façade with twin towers, and is notable for its richly decorated altars and pulpit.
4. Make the Trek to Monkey Mountain (Affenberg Zoo)
A great diversion for those traveling with kids is Monkey Mountain, or Affenberg Zoo (Affenberg Landskron). Located just a few minutes’ drive outside Villach, this fun family attraction can be enjoyed as part of an informative guided tour, led by experts, on the care of these fascinating creatures.
All told, the zoo is home to some 164 Japanese macaques, each of them free to roam around their huge, tree-lined enclosures, and to interact with visitors. In addition to seeing these gentle animals up close, you’ll also see them raising their babies, as well as swimming and diving (weather permitting).
Tours are offered daily and generally last 45 minutes. For those wanting a more immersive experience, consider taking a private tour, which includes a behind-the-scenes look at the everyday care of the monkeys, as well as a chance to feed them.
Other animal-related things to do in Villach include paying a visit to Rosegg Zoo.This fun attraction includes a collection of exotic and domestic creatures, plus fun activities such as a labyrinth and an adventure playground, along with a historic home and café. Also worth catching are the birds of prey demonstrations held at Adler Arena Burg Landskron; these thrilling 45-minute displays are even more spectacular given the setting in the grounds of an old castle.
Address: 9523 Landskron, Villach, Austria
