|
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Weissenburg in Bayern
Free City of The Holy Roman Empire
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weissenburg the former free city in the northern area of the empire is situated in a wide basin between the Swabian River Rezat and the western slope of the Franconian Alps.
The city evolved from a Franconian-Alemannic settlement and a Franconian royal court in the borderland between Franconia, Swabia and Altbayern area, which was of overriding strategic importance at that time.
The king himself was the sovereign of the city. But he was forced to give in mortgage "his” city several times because of a chronic lack of money. In return the city received the municipal forest, which is in the possession of Weissenburg city until today.
 |
|
The assertiveness of the free city patricians becomes manifest in the heyday of Weissenburg city during the 14th and 15th century. At that time several remarkable large buildings were constructed, which still exist today: the city fortifications, the impressive Gothic cathedral of Saint Andreas, the Gothic town hall or the hospital church.
Weissenburg has remained one of the smaller free cities (first mentioned in 1338), but could maintain its status as a free city until the year 1802.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Local History of Weissenburg
|
|
Around 90 AD the Romans founded "Castrum Biriciana” nearby the Rhaetian limes (called "devils’ wall”) in the area of a Celtic settlement. In addition the Romans erected a city-like settlement with its famous thermal baths, which were excavated in 1977.
In 867 the royal court of "Uuizinburc” and Suffersheim are first mentioned in ancient documents.
In the year 1241 the first municipal administration is proved by documents. The city has already received municipal law and a municipal coat of arms at that time.
1480 collapse of the municipal finances. Then an imperial commission was installed. Therefor the rise of the city was retarded decisively.
In 1802 Weissenburg got lost of its status as a free city. In the year 1806 Weissenburg finally passed into possession of the Kingdom of Bavaria. |
|
|
|
