Residence OVW // EU Kunstwaende

Bernd Flassak shows a historical fresco with the Bishop of Freising, which depicts the restitution of the lands of Obervellach by the Bishop of Freising to the sovereign of the region. It could be Henry I - also because of the connection to Austria. The bishop returns the deed to Obervellach, through which the church and estates of ‘Velah’ (= Obervellach) and ‘Stalla’ (= stable) were transferred to Freising in the 9th century. Henry I was the 21st Bishop of Freising from 1098 to 1137 and was related by marriage to Margrave Leopold III of Austria, which gave him influential connections that benefited him in the power struggle with Salzburg Archbishop Konrad von Abenberg, who was loyal to the Pope. The restitution was also due to the uncontrollability of the taxes and levies from the rich Obervellach, which gained influence and power through the mining of gold, silver and copper.

The town twinning between Obervellach and Freising celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2023. The intertwined flags (red and white for Freising and blue and white for Obervellach) symbolise this close friendship. This can also be seen in the leisure activities that attract many Bavarians to the region, as well as the socialising. This image is intended to express the joy and friendship between the two communities. The celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the partnership will take place on 30 September 2023, when an exhibition of Freising artists will be opened in the Obervellach art space and the art walls will be presented.