Zwettl - Austrian town, located in the federal state of Lower Austria, is part of the district Zwettl. Zwettl is one of the largest municipalities in Austria.

The town's name comes from the Slavic "light," which means "light". Despite the fact that the etymology suggests the existence of the settlements of the Slavic peoples, archeological evidence of this fact has not been found. Zwettl was founded by the Knights, was first mentioned in 1139 in the charter of the Cistercian Abbey of Zwettl. The city got the right Zwettl December 28, 1200.

The city was badly damaged during the Thirty Years War when it was besieged and plundered by Czech troops in 1618. In 1645 Zwettl was occupied by the Swedes. In 1850, it was established by the Municipality Zwettl. In 1896, it opened the railway communication.

In August 2002, Zwettl has experienced devastating floods caused by heavy rainfall.

Zwettl annually visited by tourists from different countries. Of particular interest is a large part of the old city, preserved to this day. Preserved city walls, six towers, the Old Town Hall, built in 1307, and several historical buildings. In 1994, as part of the reorganization of the town square fountain was built by the artist and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Before the advent of the fountain at this place was a war memorial, which was moved to a new location in the chapel of St. John Nepomuk.

Two kilometers from the Zwettl Cistercian abbey is built in 1137. The monastery was reconstructed several times during its existence, so the architecture is present several styles: Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque. The monastery is acting, it is home to more than 20 monks. Part of the monastery, however, open to the public, as well as the monastery gardens and wine room.