Wels

Wels stands on the Traun in Upper Austria, on ground settled since prehistoric times. Under Roman rule it became the city of Ovilava, with baths, an arena and a water supply; later it served as the capital of the province of Noricum Ripensis. The medieval town received city rights under the Babenbergs in 1222. Its market, recorded in 1328, benefited from trading privileges and routes along the rivers. Emperor Maximilian I died at Wels on 12 January 1519, bringing the final journey of the Habsburg ruler to an end in this Traun valley town.