Gamlitz is an important municipality in the south of the West Styrian hill country on the border between Austria and Slovenia. About 3,200 inhabitants live in the village, which is now part of the Nature Park of Western Styria. As findings prove, the history goes back to the Stone Age; Celtic tumuli also prove that the Celts also settled here. The name Gamlitz goes back to the Slavic word "Golminitz", which in turn is derived from "hill". However, whether this refers to the Celtic graves or the hilly landscape of western Styria is unclear.
In 1959 Gamlitz was granted the status of a "market town", as well as the municipal coat of arms, which adorns a vine leaf with a bunch of grapes; a reference to the great tradition of viticulture in the municipality. Those who spend their vacations here also get to see quite a few sights, such as the Gamlitz parish church, or the 12th century castle, which today houses a hotel. In addition, Gamlitz was awarded the title of "Most Beautiful Flower Village in Europe" in 1995 and 2012 as part of the "Entente Florale Europe" competition.
Viticulture is the most important activity in Gamlitz and its surroundings today, as the municipality is also home to some of the most important wineries in Styria. Names such as Sattlerhof, Skoff, Sabathi or Lackner-Tinnachner enjoy great esteem far beyond Austria's borders.
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