Rossatz-Arnsdorf

Evidence of 7th century Slavic settlement has been found on the steep slope of the Danube valley. In addition, place and field names with Slavic roots are common in the area. At the beginning of the 9th century, Emperor Charlemagne donated the territory of the Benedictine Abbey of St. Michael in Metten. The first documentary mention of "Rosseza" dates to about 985. From the 11th century, the place was owned by the Babenbergs and was expanded into the 13th century. In 1258, a judge is mentioned in a document. As a result, various sacred and secular lordships had possessions in Rossatz. In the 15th century, Emperor Frederick III granted Rossatz market rights.

From the early 16th century until about 1630, Rossatz was Protestant. After that date, the Counter-Reformation reinstated the Catholic Church. From the 15th century, the place changed hands often; for example, the Wallsee family, the families of Spaur and Kirchberger, and also Geymann of Gallspach. In 1768, Rossatz was united with the Lordship of Mautern owned by Count Schönborn-Puchheim.

Since about 1170, there are documented evidence of viticulture in the area. After purchase of the former noble plots, there was founded the Rossatz forest and estate cooperative in 1859. The current agricultural community produces several varieties of Wachau wine.

In both 1626 and 1886, Rossatz was devastated by fires.

The borough incorporates the following nine villages (in brackets the population as at 1 Jan 2015[3]):

• Bacharnsdorf (36)
• Hofarnsdorf (79)
• Mitterarnsdorf (164)
• Oberarnsdorf (188)
• Rossatz (354)
• Rossatzbach (84)
• Rührsdorf (111)
• Sankt Johann im Mauerthale (2)
• Sankt Lorenz (15)

The borough comprises the cadastral municipalities of Mitterarnsdorf, Oberarnsdorf, Rossatz and Rührsdorf.

Rossatz-Arnsdorf is twinned with:

• Arnstorf, Germany
• Metten, Germany