town, northeastern Austria. Mödling lies at the entrance to the picturesque Brühl Valley, just southwest of Vienna. First mentioned in 907, it developed around a castle (now in ruins). It was a district of Vienna from 1938 until it was returned to the state of Niederösterreich in 1954. Beethoven composed part of his Missa Solemnis there in 1818–19. Notable churches are St. Othmarkirche (originally 12th century; rebuilt 1454–1523) and the Spitalskirche (1443–53). The castle of the princes of Liechtenstein (restored 1820–22) is owned by the Austrian Boy Scouts. Metal products and shoes are manufactured. Mödling is now one of several residential and employment suburbs within the Viennese metropolitan area. Many residents commute to Vienna for work. Pop. (2006) 20,716.