Understand
Wrzburg, a city founded in the 10th century, was once the home of powerful prince-bishops. Its rich history is evident in its magnificent architectural wonders. The Residence, highly regarded as one of the finest palaces in Europe, is a stunning example of Baroque art and is recognized as a UNESCO cultural world heritage site. The city also boasts one of the oldest churches in Germany, dating back to the 8th century. Nestled within Wrzburg is the remarkable Festung Marienberg, a fortress that surrounds the church, adding to its allure. This enchanting city was not only the center of the kingdom of Franconia but also experienced great changes over the years. In the 19th century, Napoleon merged Franconia with Bavaria, leading to the city being ruled by Bavaria until today. However, Wrzburg's history is not without tragedy. In 1945, during a 20-minute bombing raid, the city suffered tremendous destruction, with approximately 80% of its buildings being destroyed. Despite this devastation, Wrzburg has made incredible strides in rebuilding, although not all structures have been restored to their original splendor. Expect to witness a harmonious blend of restored buildings alongside modernistic post-war houses. Wrzburg has a unique international flavor due to its large US military presence since World War II. This has exposed the locals to American customs and traditions. However, the future brings changes, as the military base is scheduled to close in 2006, causing the city's American influence to significantly decrease.
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