Neuberg, Austria marks 450 years since founding by Croatian settlers

Neuberg in Burgenland, Austria, is celebrating the 450th anniversary of its first documented mention under its original Croatian name, “Nowaghora.”

Historical records from 1574 show the settlement already housed 67 farming families, around 350 people, though actual settlement likely began earlier. Count Batthyány received permission in 1524 from the Hungarian king to settle Croatian refugees on his lands in western Hungary, and Neuberg was founded as part of this effort.

These early Croatian settlers received a period of exemption from taxes, typically ten years, but the difficult terrain of Neuberg likely extended this benefit due to the amount of land clearing required. Over time, the village experienced changes in ownership, including a period when it was pledged as collateral for 4,000 Hungarian gulden in 1670, before being repurchased by Count Ludwig Batthyány in 1742 for 5,000 Rhenish gulden.

The area now known as Neuberg Bergen, the town's wine-growing district, was first documented around 1634. Facing burdens from the local lord, some residents became “Söllner,” clearing small plots of land in the vineyards with limited tax obligations. Throughout its history, Neuberg developed its religious and educational infrastructure, building a chapel in 1742 and a school in 1832 where teachers initially instructed over 100 students in the Croatian language.

In the 20th century, approximately 500 people emigrated from Neuberg, becoming one of the largest emigration communities in the area, while the village also navigated the impacts of two World Wars and political shifts.