Description:
The town of Tittmoning, already an ancient settlement in Roman times, belonged since the 13th century to the Archdiocese of Salzburg. As an important market town on a strategic location, it was reinforced at that period with defensive walls and towers to protect it against the rival Duchy of Bavaria. Due to numerous fires, the appearance of the town was subject to many changes, although it kept its medieval proportions. Tittmoning's prosperity, resulting from salt trade and mercantile and commercial privileges, came to an end in the 19th century when it was transferred from Salzburg to the Bavarian territory. Economic decay affected the old town considerably. Although the decline protected the historic city from modernization, thus preserving historic structures, it also caused the loss of its viability and Tittmoning became a run-down and neglected area. To rescue the town from further decay the local authorities launched a redevelopment project in the 1980's, based on the idea of introducing a long-term rehabilitation process by raising awareness amongst the residents and by initiating a programme of gradual revitalisation. Over the years the town square was carefully repaired and redeveloped as a centre of trade and commerce, meticulously preserving its old character instead of rigorously restructuring it. Streets, alleys and the town brook were upgraded, and the Renaissance town hall was restored, setting an example to a growing number of private owners, who have since been motivated to restore and enhance their homes, to set up new enterprises and to revive existing business. Today Tittmoning is a charming place, not over-restored but an exemplary result of good long-term planning.