Hohenthurn

Hohenthurn is a municipality in the district of Villach-Land in the Austrian state of Carinthia, situated in the valley of the Gail river on the northern slope of the Carnic Alps at the border with Italy. It comprises the Katastralgemeinden of Hohenthurn and Dreulach (Drevlje). According to the 2001 census 8.3% of the population are Carinthian Slovenes.

The municipality was the site of a prehistoric Hallstatt settlement as well as of a Roman watchtower, which is depicted in the coat of arms. However Hohenthurn (Hoher Turm, i.e. "High tower"), first mentioned in a 1253 deed as Göströsdorf, probably derived its name from the steeple of the Gothic St. Cyriacus parish church. The Carinthian Slovene priest and activist Matija Majar from 1851 until 1867 served at the Holy Name of Mary parish church in the hamlet of Göriach.