Freistadt, town, north-central Austria, near the Czech Republic frontier. First mentioned in 1241, it is an old fortified town on the ancient iron- and salt-trade route connecting the Danube River and Bohemia. The town is ringed with fortifications, double walls, moats, towers, and gates that are still largely intact. The town centre is an unspoiled ensemble of old town houses and public buildings in Gothic style, notably the Church of Our Dear Lady, with Gothic murals and windows. Freistadt is a market and service centre for the nearby countryside. Pop. (2001) 7,353.