7DY-DVD-131 - Carinthia is Austria's southernmost region and borders both Italy and Slovenia. It's located in the sunny heart of Europe with more than a thousand lakes, plus spectacular alpine regions and numerous Celtic Roman excavation sites, mediaeval castles, monasteries and cathedrals. In the eastern part of Carinthia and more than a thousand metres above sea level is one of the region's oldest historical villages, the mountain village of Diex. In the fifteenth century the Turks invaded the area with great savagery thus, as protection, local farmers built castellated churches in which they sought sanctuary. Friesach, Carinthia's oldest city, has retained what must be the true ambience of the Middle Ages, with a fortified princely estate and churches and monasteries that are surrounded by sturdy walls and a moat. The Maria Saal Open Air Museum is situated in the heart of Carinthia. In this richly cultural and historic area various traditional farm buildings from all over Carinthia have been reconstructed. Klagenfurt is the administrative centre of Carinthia: a middle class garden city that does not contain the fine buildings of the aristocracy but has a good helping of southern flair and, due to the nearby Wörthersee, is a marvellous summer resort. The Maria Wörth Church is situated on a rock and is one of the most famous pilgrimage destinations in Austria. From the small cemetery that surrounds the church there's a romantic view across the lake and nearby peninsula. Carinthia is a paradise of sun and ice, of nature, history and culture.
