Retz

Retz, at the northwest corner of the Weinviertel, is a charming town with an impressive rectangular central square formed by buildings dating mainly from the 15th century. Take time to explore Retz's tiny streets leading from the town square; the oldest buildings and the wall and gate-tower defenses survived destruction by Swedish armies in 1645, during the Thirty Years' War. The Dominican church (1295) at the southwest corner of the square also survived, and it is interesting for its long, narrow design. The pastel Biedermeier facades along with the sgraffiti (painted facades) add appeal to the square, which is further marked by the impressive city hall with its massive Gothic tower in the center.