The very modern staged community centre across from the old train station of the Bregenzerwald railway.  The striking part of the building, a floor mounted wooden cube is the thing you notice first.  This room houses the conference room.  Historically, this building seems to be a new interpretation of the famous courthouse from the Bregenzerwald democracy on the Bezegg pass.   The former courthouse was also said to be floor mounted.

A History of Bezegg

In the 14^th century, the estates of the country had already formed the forerunner to our modern day parliament.  They were the combination of the rural and urban court, in those times a community-like structure.  They were made up of citizen and farmer representatives.  Nobility and the clergy were not politically represented in the Federal Government.  Nobility was withdrawn from that class in 1408.

The citizens and farmer representatives were delegated as “messengers” or “delegates” by the 21 rural and three urban courts.  The assemblies took place in the city halls of Feldkirch and Bregenz.

The Council of the Back Bregenzerwald held their meetings in the city hall on the Bezegg Pass, where today the “Bezeggsul” stands as a reminder.  This house, which is of historical significance was like a farmer’s republic parliament.  The building sat on eight pillars and could only be entered through a trap door with a ladder.  The council was elected by the people and while they held their meetings, the ladder was taken away until their decisions were made.

The council in Andelsbuch are probably treated the same way in their new building in Andelsbuch.  The city hall in Andelsbuch is therefore a symbol for early democracy in the Bregenzerwald.  If you want to know more about the history of the Farmers Republic, ask at the tourism office or at the town hall.

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