Bludenz

Bludenz, town, western Austria. It lies along the Ill River about 60 miles (100 km) east-southeast of Zürich, Switz. First mentioned in 830, it was fortified in the 13th century and had received town rights by 1296. It passed to the Habsburgs in 1394. Notable landmarks include the St. Laurentius parish church (1514); the 15th-century Spitalskirche, with a fine Baroque altar; and the Gayenhofen Castle (1228–45; converted 1746). Bludenz is an international summer resort and Alpine winter-sports centre and produces high-quality textiles, watches, chocolate, building materials, and chemicals. It also is the market and service centre for the surrounding countryside. Pop. (2006) 13,964.