1. Explore Villach Main Square
Straddling the River Drau and connected by several bridges, Villach’s old town center is one of the most picturesque in southern Austria. A good way to begin your Villach adventure – and certainly a great way to get your bearings, taking notes of places to visit later – is exploring the long Main Square (Hauptplatz). This attractive historic square cuts across the middle of the old town and is linked by the main bridge over the Drau at its northern end.
2. Parish Church of St. Jakob
Just a three-minute stroll from the Hauptplatz, the historic Parish Church of St. Jakob (Stadtpfarrkirche St. Jakob) makes for an easy first stop on your Villach travel itinerary. This three-aisled, 14th-century Gothic hall church is notable for its narrow choir and 95-meter-tall tower linked to the main building by an arched gateway. A highlight of your visit should be making the climb up the tower’s 239 steps for the excellent views over the old town.
