Wartau is a municipality in the Werdenberg constituency of the Swiss canton of St. Gallen . The municipality consists of a number of villages on the eastern flank of the Alvier group , along the left shore of the Alpine Rhine .
41-625: Wartau municipality consists of the villages of Azmoos (482 m, 1,581 ft), Trübbach (478 m, 1,568 ft), Weite (469 m, 1,539 ft) along the Rhine, Oberschan (668 m, 2,192 ft), Malans (617 m, 2,024 ft), Gretschins (600 m, 2,000 ft) and Fontnas (542 m, 1,778 ft) in the foothills of the Alvier chain, the hamlets of Plattis (464 m, 1,522 ft) and Murris (470 m, 1,540 ft), and Matug (731 m, 2,398 ft) and environs, historically
82-461: A Walser Streusiedlung . Wartau has an area, (as of the 2004/09 survey) of 41.75 km (16.12 sq mi). Of this area, about 45.8% is used for agricultural purposes, while 38.4% is forested. Of the rest of the land, 6.8% is settled (buildings or roads) and 9.0% is unproductive land. In the 2004/09 survey a total of 171 ha (420 acres) or about 4.1% of the total area was covered with buildings, an increase of 46 ha (110 acres) over
123-459: A civil partnership, 243 widows or widowers and 366 divorced residents. In 2015 there were 2,176 private households in Wartau with an average household size of 2.38 persons. In 2015 about 67.1% of all buildings in the municipality were single family homes, which is greater than the percentage in the canton (60.5%) and greater than the percentage nationally (57.4%). Of the 1,446 inhabited buildings in
164-536: A gold star in a red field ( Gules a Vine Stump Vert leaved issuant from Coupeaux of the same and in chief a Mullet Or ). An unrelated municipal coat of arms, showing the castle ruins, was designed in 1939. This was replaced in favour of the historical coat of arms in the 1970s. In 1802, a short-lived "Republic of Wartau" was proclaimed, before the modern municipality was formed as part of the Swiss canton of St. Gallen in 1803. The Walser population which now found itself on
205-430: A meeting of Walser people called Walsertreffen occurs in a Walser inhabited area. The Walser people originate from the Swiss canton of Valais. Around 1300, they started to migrate. As of 2022, the reasons are not historically documented and are speculated to be due to overpopulation, climate change or poverty. In many places Walser settlers received the "Walser right" (colonist right), that is, personal freedom, with
246-541: A separate parish in 1743. A Catholic church was built in Azmoos 1892, and Catholic population gradually increased, reaching parity by the later 20th century. As of the 2000 census, 42% of population were Catholic and 38% belonged to the Swiss Reformed Church . Wartau has received a significant immigrant population since the later 20th century, reflected by 7.8% (367 individuals) identifying as Muslim in
287-446: A total of 1,886 people employed in the municipality. Of these, a total of 194 people worked in 49 businesses in the primary economic sector . There was one mid sized primary section business with a total of 71 employees. The secondary sector employed 771 workers in 67 separate businesses. Finally, the tertiary sector provided 921 jobs in 229 businesses. In 2015 a total of 7.7% of the population received social assistance. In 2011
328-477: Is given in the following chart: There are a number of Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Age traces, as well traces of an early medieval estate. The name Wartau is taken from that of Wartau Castle , built in 1225 (overlooking Gretschins). The center of the medieval manor was at Gretschins, with a church first mentioned in 1273. The lordship of Wartau passed to the counts of Werdenberg-Heiligenberg in 1399, and further to Lucerne in 1485 and to Glarus in 1517. In
369-960: Is one Walser community: Triesenberg , including Saminatal and Malbun . Until the 1930s, the dialects of Walser German and Romandy based on the French language was still spoken among a few hundred residents. In Austria , there are 14 Walser communities: Grosses Walsertal (Blons, Fontanella, Raggal, St. Gerold, Sonntag, Thüringerberg), Kleinwalsertal (Mittelberg, a practical enclave of Germany), Brandnertal (Brand), Montafon (Silbertal), Reintal (Laterns), Tannberg ( Schröcken , Lech, Warth), all in Vorarlberg ; and in Paznauntal ( Galtür ), in Tyrol . Additionally, Walser communities are reportedly found in Haute-Savoie , France (Vallorcine, in
410-681: Is one Walser community: Triesenberg , including Saminatal and Malbun . Until the 1930s, the dialects of Walser German and Romandy based on the French language was still spoken among a few hundred residents. In Austria , there are 14 Walser communities: Grosses Walsertal (Blons, Fontanella, Raggal, St. Gerold, Sonntag, Thüringerberg), Kleinwalsertal (Mittelberg, a practical enclave of Germany), Brandnertal (Brand), Montafon (Silbertal), Reintal (Laterns), Tannberg ( Schröcken , Lech, Warth), all in Vorarlberg ; and in Paznauntal ( Galtür ), in Tyrol . Additionally, Walser communities are reportedly found in Haute-Savoie , France (Vallorcine, in
451-501: Is supposed that there were two independent immigration routes. From the upper Wallis, they began to spread south, west and east between the 12th and 13th centuries, in the so-called Walser migrations ( Walserwanderungen ). The causes of these further population movements, the last wave of settlement in the higher valleys of the Alps , are not entirely clear. Some think that the large Walser migrations took place because of conflicts with
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#1732787719240492-740: The Chablais ), where the local Walser dialect is no longer spoken, and in the Berner Oberland (or Bernese Highlands), Switzerland (Grimseljoch-Sustenpass area, Lauterbrunnen , Mürren , etc.), where the local Walser dialect has assimilated to the (likewise Highest Alemannic ) dialects of the Berner Oberland. Some Walsers later settled portions of eastern Hungary , most were found in the Tokay wine region. Walsers, along with French Swiss speakers and French ( Lorraine ) vintners from
533-505: The Chablais ), where the local Walser dialect is no longer spoken, and in the Berner Oberland (or Bernese Highlands), Switzerland (Grimseljoch-Sustenpass area, Lauterbrunnen , Mürren , etc.), where the local Walser dialect has assimilated to the (likewise Highest Alemannic ) dialects of the Berner Oberland. Some Walsers later settled portions of eastern Hungary , most were found in the Tokay wine region. Walsers, along with French Swiss speakers and French ( Lorraine ) vintners from
574-632: The Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites . Walser The Walser people are the speakers of the Walser German dialects, a variety of Highest Alemannic . They inhabit the region of the Alps of Switzerland and Liechtenstein , as well as the fringes of Italy and Austria . The Walser people are named after the Wallis (Valais), the uppermost Rhône valley, where they settled from roughly
615-757: The canton of Geneva . In Italy , there are nine communities that were settled by the Walser migration (and four others that originally were, but where Walser German is not spoken any more (with exception of a few elders)). These are: Gressoney-La-Trinité , Gressoney-Saint-Jean and Issime ( Lys Valley, in the Aosta Valley ); Formazza , Macugnaga , Campello Monti ( Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province ); Alagna Valsesia , Riva Valdobbia , Carcoforo , Rimasco , Rima San Giuseppe , Rimella (Sesia Valley or Valsesia , in Vercelli province ). In Liechtenstein , there
656-589: The canton of Geneva . In Italy , there are nine communities that were settled by the Walser migration (and four others that originally were, but where Walser German is not spoken any more (with exception of a few elders)). These are: Gressoney-La-Trinité , Gressoney-Saint-Jean and Issime ( Lys Valley, in the Aosta Valley ); Formazza , Macugnaga , Campello Monti ( Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province ); Alagna Valsesia , Riva Valdobbia , Carcoforo , Rimasco , Rima San Giuseppe , Rimella (Sesia Valley or Valsesia , in Vercelli province ). In Liechtenstein , there
697-571: The 10th century in the late phase of the migration of the Alamanni , crossing from the Bernese Oberland ; because of linguistic differences among the Walser dialects, it is supposed that there were two independent immigration routes. From the upper Wallis, they began to spread south, west and east between the 12th and 13th centuries, in the so-called Walser migrations ( Walserwanderungen ). The causes of these further population movements,
738-437: The 14th century, the higher parts of the territory of the modern municipality (Matug, Walserberg, Palfris) were settled by Walser . High justice lay with the county of Sargans from 1483 until 1798. There was a Rhine ferry between Trübbach and Balzers in the medieval period. The Swiss Confederacy constructed a road along the Rhine to Sargans in 1491/2. The church at Gretschins was dedicated to Saint Martin in 1494, but
779-504: The 1984 amount. About 0.19% of the total area is recreational space. Of the agricultural land, 26 ha (64 acres) is used for orchards and vineyards, 892 ha (2,200 acres) is fields and grasslands and 1,232 ha (3,040 acres) consists of alpine grazing areas. Since 1984 the amount of agricultural land has decreased by 85 ha (210 acres). Over the same time period the amount of forested land has increased by 56 ha (140 acres). Rivers and lakes cover 104 ha (260 acres) in
820-450: The 2000 census. 5.5% (261 individuals) identified as non-religious (atheist or agnostic). The Gretschins-Herrenfeld and Ochsenberg prehistoric settlement and sacrifice site as well as the ruins of Wartau Castle and the so-called Walser Rathaus (town council house) auf Palfries are listed as Swiss heritage sites of national significance . The villages of Azmoos and Oberschan and the hamlets of Fontnas and Gretschins are part of
861-664: The French with wine-producing skills arrived in the 19th century by invitation of the Austro-Hungarian Empire . Their descendants in the early 20th century were known as Français du Banat or the " Banat French", as well the Romandie de l'Ungerne or "the Romandies of Hungary". Walser The Walser people are the speakers of the Walser German dialects, a variety of Highest Alemannic . They inhabit
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#1732787719240902-787: The Walser migration (and seven others that originally were, but where Walser German is not spoken any more). These are: Simplon , in Canton of Valais ; Bosco/Gurin , in Canton of Ticino ; and the following communities in Graubünden (Grisons): Obersaxen ; Valsertal ( Vals , St. Martin ); Safiental ( Valendas , Versam , Tenna , Safien ); Rheinwald ( Medels , Nufenen , Splügen , Sufers , Hinterrhein , Avers ); Schanfigg ( Arosa , Langwies ); Albula ( Mutten , Schmitten , Wiesen ); Landquart ( Davos , Klosters , Furna , Says , St. Antönien , Valzeina ). Wartau , ( Matug , Walserberg , Palfris ) and Walser speaking people may live in
943-479: The following communities in Graubünden (Grisons): Obersaxen ; Valsertal ( Vals , St. Martin ); Safiental ( Valendas , Versam , Tenna , Safien ); Rheinwald ( Medels , Nufenen , Splügen , Sufers , Hinterrhein , Avers ); Schanfigg ( Arosa , Langwies ); Albula ( Mutten , Schmitten , Wiesen ); Landquart ( Davos , Klosters , Furna , Says , St. Antönien , Valzeina ). Wartau , ( Matug , Walserberg , Palfris ) and Walser speaking people may live in
984-616: The hamlets of Fontnas and Gretschins are designated as part of the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites . In the 2015 federal election the most popular party was the SVP with 38.3% of the vote. The next three most popular parties were the FDP (21.3%), the SP (15.6%) and the CVP (7.5%). In the federal election, a total of 1,405 votes were cast, and the voter turnout was 46.3%. In the 2007 federal election
1025-419: The highest education level completed by 991 people (21.1% of the population) was Primary , while 1,759 (37.4%) have completed their secondary education, 440 (9.4%) have attended a Tertiary school, and 232 (4.9%) are not in school. The remainder did not answer this question. Wartau is an industrial community, a municipality where manufacturing provides over a quarter of all jobs. As of 2014, there were
1066-421: The last wave of settlement in the higher valleys of the Alps , are not entirely clear. Some think that the large Walser migrations took place because of conflicts with the valley's feudal lords. Other theories contend it was because of overpopulation and yet others that they were reinforced by the respective local authorities in order to settle previously unpopulated regions. Starting in 1962, every three years
1107-424: The most popular party was the SVP which received 42.3% of the vote. The next three most popular parties were the FDP (23.2%), the SP (15.7%) and the CVP (7.3%). In Wartau about 70.2% of the population (between age 25–64) have completed either non-mandatory upper secondary education or additional higher education (either university or a Fachhochschule ). Out of the total population in Wartau, as of 2000,
1148-406: The municipality for work. The parish of Gretschins was probably established in the early 13th century (first mention 1273). The church of Gretschins was rebuilt in 1494 and dedicated to Saint Martin . The Swiss Reformation was adopted still in the 1520s, and the population resisted attempts made by Glarus in the 17th century of re-introducing Roman Catholicism. Azmoos-Trübbach was established as
1189-437: The municipality per tax payer was SFr 66,142 and the per person average was SFr 26,799, which is less than the cantonal average of SFr 71,897 and SFr 30,336 and less than the national per tax payer average of SFr 82,682 and the per person average of SFr 35,825. As of 2000 there were 1,017 residents who worked in the municipality, while 1,407 residents worked outside Wartau and 926 people commuted into
1230-407: The municipality, in 2000, about 69.3% were single family homes and 14.2% were multiple family buildings. Additionally, about 29.6% of the buildings were built before 1919, while 11.0% were built between 1991 and 2000. In 2014 the rate of construction of new housing units per 1000 residents was 7.66. The vacancy rate for the municipality, in 2016, was 0.82%. As of 2007, about 23.3% of the population
1271-530: The municipality. The highest point of the municipality is Alvier peak, at 2,343 m (7,687 ft), the lowest point is the Rhine Valley at 461 m (1,512 ft). Wartau has a population (as of December 2020) of 5,296. As of 2015, 28.6% of the population are resident foreign nationals. In 2015 a small minority (321 or 6.1% of the population) was born in Germany a small minority (273 or 5.2% of
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1312-600: The parish adopted the Swiss Reformation at an early time, in the 1520s. Attempts to re-introduced the Catholic mass in 1694/4 resulted in the "Wartau conflict" ( Wartauerhandel ), which almost triggered a larger religious war in the Swiss Confederacy . A second church was built in Azmoos in 1736. The municipal coat of arms is attested on a stained glass panel dated 1632. It shows a grapevine below
1353-554: The population) was born in Italy. Over the last 5 years (2010-2015) the population has changed at a rate of 3.73%. The birth rate in the municipality, in 2015, was 10.5, while the death rate was 8.6 per thousand residents. As of 2015, children and teenagers (0–19 years old) make up 22.5% of the population, while adults (20–64 years old) are 61.1% of the population and seniors (over 64 years old) make up 16.4%. In 2015 there were 2,179 single residents, 2,443 people who were married or in
1394-402: The reasons are not historically documented and are speculated to be due to overpopulation, climate change or poverty. In many places Walser settlers received the "Walser right" (colonist right), that is, personal freedom, with the right to form their own judicial communities and the right of the free hereditary rights of land. When a settler died, the estate passed to his heirs. The "Walser law"
1435-404: The region of the Alps of Switzerland and Liechtenstein , as well as the fringes of Italy and Austria . The Walser people are named after the Wallis (Valais), the uppermost Rhône valley, where they settled from roughly the 10th century in the late phase of the migration of the Alamanni , crossing from the Bernese Oberland ; because of linguistic differences among the Walser dialects, it
1476-479: The right to form their own judicial communities and the right of the free hereditary rights of land. When a settler died, the estate passed to his heirs. The "Walser law" was granted against a moderate interest and the obligation to serve in the war. In Switzerland , the German-speaking part of the canton of Valais is the original region of the Walser. There are 26 Walser communities that were settled by
1517-616: The territory of the municipality was naturalized only in 1827, under pressure from the cantonal authorities. Railway stations at Trübbach and Weite were built in 1858. The Rhine ferry was replaced by a bridge in 1872. The A13 motorway dates to 1967. The prehistoric settlement and sacrifice site at Gretschins-Herrenfeld and Ochsenberg, as well as the nearby medieval castle ruins and the Walser Rathaus (council house) auf Palfries are listed as Swiss heritage sites of national significance . The villages of Azmoos and Oberschan as well as
1558-402: The unemployment rate in the municipality was 2%. In 2015 local hotels had a total of 5,594 overnight stays, of which 13.4% were international visitors. In 2015 the average cantonal, municipal and church tax rate in the municipality for a couple with two children making SFr 80,000 was 4.8% while the rate for a single person making SFr 150,000 was 19.4%. In 2013 the average income in
1599-448: The valley's feudal lords. Other theories contend it was because of overpopulation and yet others that they were reinforced by the respective local authorities in order to settle previously unpopulated regions. Starting in 1962, every three years a meeting of Walser people called Walsertreffen occurs in a Walser inhabited area. The Walser people originate from the Swiss canton of Valais. Around 1300, they started to migrate. As of 2022,
1640-439: Was granted against a moderate interest and the obligation to serve in the war. In Switzerland , the German-speaking part of the canton of Valais is the original region of the Walser. There are 26 Walser communities that were settled by the Walser migration (and seven others that originally were, but where Walser German is not spoken any more). These are: Simplon , in Canton of Valais ; Bosco/Gurin , in Canton of Ticino ; and
1681-548: Was made up of foreign nationals. Of the foreign population, (as of 2000), 84 are from Germany , 176 are from Italy , 424 are from ex- Yugoslavia , 53 are from Austria , 25 are from Turkey , and 155 are from another country. Most of the population (as of 2000) speaks German (88.5%), with Albanian being second most common (3.2%) and Italian being third (2.9%). Of the Swiss national languages (as of 2000), 4,161 speak German , 9 people speak French , 135 people speak Italian , and 11 people speak Romansh . The historical population