BLUDENZ

town, Vorarlberg Bundesland (federal state), western Austria. It lies along the Ill River about 60 miles (100 km) east-southeast of Zrich. First mentioned in 830, it was fortified in the 13th century and had received town rights by 1296. It passed to the Habsburgs in 1394. Notable landmarks include the St. Laurentius parish church (1514); the 15th-century Spitalskirche, with a fine Baroque altar; and the Gayenhofen Castle (122845; converted 1746). An international summer resort and Alpine winter-sports centre, Bludenz produces textiles, watches, chocolate, building materials, and chemicals. Pop. (1991) 13,579.