Hallstatt - Global Citizenship Summer School (sitios de interés)
Descripción del sitio
Hallstatt is very famous in Europe for its oldest salt mines which date back 3000 years. The most unusual local tradition is the exhumation of the dead and transference of the bones from the cemetery to the special place called ossuary, at a local church.
Hallstatt has a population of less than 1,000 people. The development of the Hallstatt society is constrained by its limited area. Therefore, there is not enough land even for the cemetery. For this reason, every ten years, the bones of the dead are removed from the land. The bones are bleached, and the name, profession and date of death of the person are written on the bones. They are then put on public display (ossuary) at the local church. At the place of exhumation, there will be a new space for a grave. This tradition began in the early 18th century.
Hallstatt is one of the oldest settlements in Europe. In the 19th century, more than two thousand graves, dating back to the Iron Age, were discovered. This archaeological find was so substantial that it lands its name to the entire archaeological culture, Hallstatt culture. This culture prevailed in Central Europe and the Balkans for 500 years, from 900 to 400 BC.
Hallstatt is a popular tourist attraction and is so small that it can be seen in 10 min of walking. Until the late 19th century, it was only possible to reach Hallstatt by boat or via narrow trails. The first road to Hallstatt was only built in 1890, along the west shore, partially by rock blasting.
This place has a magnificent aura and beautiful landscapes that have attracted mountain climbers, explorers, romantic poets, and painters. Hallstatt is a peaceful place with its own culture and architecture that attracts every visitor. Also, Hallstatt uses spring water as their water supply. In addition, this is a very romantic place that will not leave anyone indifferent.
Link to the video that shows beautiful landscapes of Hallstatt: