Freistadt - Austria city located in the Federal state of Upper Austria, in the district of Freistadt. The city of Linz is located approximately 38 km South-West of Freistadt and the Czech Budejovice city about 60 km to the North. To Vienna from Freistadt can be reached in 2 hours (180 km). Freistadt is surrounded by forests.

Free city was founded in 1225 by Leopold VI. The city separated the possession of the Habsburgs from the Czech lands. He stood at the crossroads of trade routes of salt and iron. The town flourished for 14-16 century. However, the Thirty years war changed the situation, the city lost all its privileges. In 1777, was built a brewery. Since 1850 the free city became the capital of the district. In 1872 in Freistadt the railroad was built.

During the First world war the town was established a pow camp for Russian soldiers, in which there were up to 20,000 prisoners. After the outbreak of the Second world war in Freistadt was founded a resistance group, but in October 1944, all the participants were sentenced to death. On may 7, 1945 American tanks reached the city, and on July 1, the city was occupied by the Red army. Recovery began only 10 years later, after the withdrawal of Soviet troops from the city. Investment has been made in housing and road construction, construction of water supply and sewage, construction of sewage treatment plants.

Freistadt is considered a masterpiece of architecture: a large rectangular square is the heart of the whole city. Main sights include the medieval Old town with city walls and towers, which is almost completely preserved. Late Gothic town gate Linzer tor are the symbol of the city of Freistadt.

Free city monument consists of 162, the majority of which are located in the Old town. During the Baroque facades of many buildings have been renovated. On the main square is the town Hall with carved fountain. Here, on the square is the Baroque Church of SV. Catherine the altar is the work of Carl the Carlone. Near the building of military barracks, built on the site of an ancient castle, placed his collection to the Museum.