Eisenstadt

Eisenstadt, city, capital (since 1925) of Burgenland Bundesland (federal state), eastern Austria. It lies at the southern end of the Leitha Mountains, south of Vienna. Mentioned in 1264, it was a free city of Hungary from 1648 until Burgenland was ceded to Austria in 1921. Eisenstadt’s notable landmarks include the former castle of the Esterházy princes (14th century; rebuilt 1663–72); the Mount Calvary Church (Kalvarienbergkirche), with the tomb of the composer Joseph Haydn; the house where Haydn lived from 1766 to 1790, now a museum; the parish church (1450–1522); and the Franciscan church (1625–30), with the Esterházy family vault. The castle of Forchtenstein, former seat of the counts von Mattersdorf, is nearby. Eisenstadt has orchards and vineyards, and its manufactures include textiles, ski equipment, metal kitchenware, and electrical equipment. A considerable portion of the city’s labour force works in public administration and services. Eisenstadt also is a regional market centre. Pop. (2006) 12,190.