Kirchdorf an der Krems

Kirchdorf an der Krems grew around a parish church and a market belonging to the bishopric of Bamberg. Already described as a forum in 1283, it received the right to use a seal from Bishop Anton of Rotenhan in 1437. The church was rebuilt in Gothic form between 1470 and 1491, while textile weaving formed an important part of the town's economy.

In 1584 Emperor Rudolf II confirmed a weekly Monday market. A further craft industry linked Kirchdorf to the upper Krems valley: the Kirchdorf-Micheldorf scythe-makers' association was founded here in 1604. Territorial ownership passed to Kremsmunster in 1681 and Schlierbach in 1684. In 1795 the market bought its freedom, although Bamberg's nominal feudal overlordship lasted until 1811. Recurrent fires interrupted this prosperity. A blaze in 1686 damaged the church and delayed the new tower, which was finished in 1690. Kirchdorf's early modern development rested on market privileges, skilled manufacturing and negotiated release from ecclesiastical lordship.