Rechnitz

Rechnitz is a municipality in Burgenland in the Oberwart district in Austria.GeographyThe municipality is located in southern Burgenland, on the border with Hungary, near Bozsok and Szombathely. The highest mountain in Burgenland, the Geschriebenstein, and the most eastern foothills of the Alps are partially located within the municipality.HistoryUntil 1920/21, the village was a part of Hungary, as was the entire state of Burgenland. Ever since 1898 the Hungarian name Rohonc had to be used, due to the policies of the Budapest government. In 1919, after the end of World War I, Burgenland was awarded to Austria through the treaties of St. Germain and Trianon. Since 1921, the village has been a part of the Austrian state of Burgenland.On the night of 24–25 March 1945, some 200 Hungarian Jews were murdered near Rechnitz, by a group of local notables who had gathered for a party at the castle of the Countess of Batthyany, born Margit Thyssen-Bornemisza. The party and the killing were organized by Hans Joachim Oldenberg, her lover. At some point during the evening guns were handed out. The 200 Jewish laborers, residents of the manor, were hunted down and killed. Afterwards the guests returned to the castle to continue the party. After the war the massacre was covered up. Residents boycotted an official investigation; one witness was murdered, and other witnesses died under suspicious circumstances.