Matthias-Kraus-Memorial

In 1905 a memorial was erected near the Danube Gate dedicated to Matthias Kraus. In 1704, Kraus, a 33 year old master butcher from Kelheim, rose against the oppressive Austrian occupation forces and forcibly drove them from the city. Then as "Commandant of the City", he demanded support from both the City Council and citizens of Kelheim. Kraus had surrendered under the pretext of establishing an honorable withdrawal of the troops from Kelheim and clemency for the citizens. However he was betrayed and the soldiers fell upon the city and Kraus was captured, then beheaded and quartered in 1706.