Feldkirch (458m above sea level, 29,000 inhabitants) is the westernmost town in Austria and in addition to the old town and Schattenburg Castle towering above it boasts the best preserved medieval town in Vorarlberg. It started with the systematic extension of the town and the erection of Schattenburg castle in 1200 by Count Hugo von Montfort. The town of Feldkirch - "civitas Veltkilch" - was first mentioned in 1218. St. Nikolaus cathedral, Capucine monastery, Katzenturm tower (the name derives from the "Katzen" cannons stored there), Churtor (Chur gate) and Salztor (salt gate), water tower, church of St. John, Schattenburg museum, "Schützenscheiben" museum (traditional ceramics), Amberg Castle, Tostnerburg Castle, Adretzenberg (wildlife park, woodland theme trail), New and Old Rüttenen (showcase biotope), Matschels-Bangs nature reserve, farmer's market (Ländle Buramarkt), Feldkirch wine festival, brass instrument music festival. Felsenau swimming pool, Feldkirch outdoor woodland pool