This articleneeds additional citations forverification.(February 2018) |
Meiningen(German:[ˈmaɪnɪŋən] ) is a town in the southern part of the state ofThuringia,Germany.It is located in the region ofFranconiaand has a population of around 26,000 (2024).[3]Meiningen is the capital and the largest town of theSchmalkalden-Meiningendistrict. From 1680 to 1920, Meiningen was the capital of the Duchy (and briefly of the Free State) ofSaxe-Meiningen.
Meiningen | |
---|---|
![]() Stadtkirche(town church) | |
Location of Meiningen within Schmalkalden-Meiningen district ![]() | |
Coordinates:50°33′N10°25′E/ 50.550°N 10.417°E | |
Country | Germany |
State | Thuringia |
District | Schmalkalden-Meiningen |
Government | |
•Mayor(2024–30) | Fabian Giesder[1](SPD) |
Area | |
• Total | 123.03 km2(47.50 sq mi) |
Elevation | 287 m (942 ft) |
Population (2022-12-31)[2] | |
• Total | 25,582 |
• Density | 210/km2(540/sq mi) |
Time zone | UTC+01:00(CET) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00(CEST) |
Postal codes | 98617 |
Dialling codes | 03693 |
Vehicle registration | SM, MGN |
Website | meiningen.de |
Meiningen is considered the cultural, judicial and financial centre of southern Thuringia and thus hosts the state theatre, justice center, state archives, bank buildings and many museums. It is economically reliant on mechanical engineering,high-techindustry and tourism. The dialect and language of the inhabitants isEast Franconian.
History
editThrough the Middle Ages
editMeiningen originated during the formation of theFrankish Empirein the 6th or 7th century, which established trade routes, river crossings and boundary markers.[4]An intersection of two trade routes and afordwas located at the present-day southern end of the old town near theWerrariver.
Meiningen was first mentioned in 982[5]: 193 (extract certificate: "…in villis Meininga in Meiningermarca…" ).[6]The village was first a crown land in theDuchy of Franconiaand later a possession of the king. Around the year 1000, construction of theStadtkirche(town church) began. It was several times expanded and rebuilt over the centuries. German EmperorHenry IIdonated Meiningen in 1008 to the Roman CatholicDiocese of Würzburg,and for 534 years it remained part of Würzburg.[7]To protect their property, the Bishops of Würzburg built a moated castle (todaySchloss Elisabethenburgpalace) in the 11th century. In 1153, theplagueraged in Meiningen, which was also granted judicial rights (the first town-charter type of rights) that year by the rulers. In 1222, Würzburg and theHouse of Hennebergfought for possession of Meiningen, while the town suffered extensive damage. Meiningen was first mentioned in 1230 as aStadt(town) and was granted wide-ranging autonomy in 1344.[8][9]During this time the citizens built a powerful fortification with a double wall and threemoats.From 1239 to 1242 theFriars Minorof theFranciscan Orderbuilt a monastery between the castle and the Lower Gate. In 1380, a fire destroyed around a quarter of the town, including the archives of the town council. The town joined together with ten other towns of the Bishopric of Würzburg and participated in 1396-1399 in the "Franconian town war" against the diocese. Würzburg troops besieged Meiningen, until it capitulated in 1399. In an uprising on 10 August 1432, the citizens destroyed the castle (Würzburger BurgorBurg Meiningen). In the years 1443-1455, the town church was enlarged in theGothic style.
Early modern period
editMeiningen had about 2,000 inhabitants in 1450. At the end of the 15th century two devastating fires destroyed almost the whole town. 26 people were killed. The town church was spared from the fire. BishopLorenz von Bibrabuilt a new castle from 1509 to 1511. In the town textiles, metal working and trade became more important. In 1542, Meiningen came to the Henneberg family in exchange for the administrative district (Amt) ofMainbergfrom the Prince-Bishop of Würzburg,Conrad von Bibra.In 1583, with the extinction of the Henneberg family, the town went to theWettin family.The Wettin family established its seat of transitional government for the County of Henneberg in Meiningen until 1660. The town experienced a great economic boom driven by thefustian- andlinenweaving, dyeing and fabric trades, which lasted until the beginning of the 17th century, resulting in faster population increase to about 5,000. For example, in 1614 234 master craftsmen produced 37,312 pieces of cloth that were traded throughout Europe. This period was ended abruptly by theThirty Years' Warin 1634, whenCroatiantroops plundered the town. In 1641,Swedishtroops besieged the town. Meiningen lost thousands of inhabitants to death or expulsion.
Residence of the Duchy of Saxe-Meiningen
editBetween 1680 and 1918, Meiningen was the capital of the Duchy ofSaxe-Meiningen.[5]: 193 In 1682-92, the ducal palaceSchloss Elisabethenburgwas built and by 1690 theCourt Orchestrahad been created. From 1782, theEnglischer Garten,anEnglish landscape gardenwas created in the town center.
In 1813, a Russian army of 70,000 soldiers and 2,300 officers underGrand Duke Alexanderin his campaign againstNapoleoncamped in and around Meiningen. The Tsar had his quarters in the innZum Braune Hirsch,which also served for the entrainedPrussian Armyas headquarters. In 1782,Friedrich Schillerhad been a guest at the inn.
One of the princesses of Saxe-Meiningen,Adelheid Louise Theresa Caroline Amelia von Sachsen-Meiningen,became the wife of the futureKing William IVofGreat Britainin 1818. The Australian city ofAdelaideis named for her.
Georg II, Duke of Saxe-Meiningen,who became a great patron of the theatrical art, was born in 1826. The firstMeiningen Court Theatreopened in 1831. The fairy tale collector and writerLudwig Bechsteinwas an archivist in Meiningen. In 1858, the town was connected by theWerra Railwayto the German railway network. In September 1874, a major fire destroyed a third of the town.[5]: 196 The reconstruction took place inNeoclassical stylewith the financial help of many German and Austrian cities. In the same year, theSchweinfurt–Meiningen railwayopened. A new town hall was built in 1878.
By end of the 19th century and by the beginning of the 20th century, the existence of several large banks made Meiningen an important financial centre in Germany. During these decades, the town stretched out far beyond its ancient limits. New residential areas were built, and the population grew rapidly. Many lavish buildings were built at that time. 1889, the town church was enlarged in theGothic Revivalstyle. A large fire destroyed theHoftheater(court theatre) in 1908, it was rebuilt in Neoclassical style and reopened in December 1909. In 1914, theMeiningen Steam Locomotive Workswas built.
After 1918
editThe Duchy was abolished at the end ofWorld War Iin 1918. Meiningen then became the capital of the successor stateFreistaat Saxony-Meiningen.From 1920, it was a district town in the newly created state ofThuringia.Thüringisches Staatsarchiv Meiningen was founded in 1923. In 1927,Flugplatz Meiningen ,an airfield, was opened. In October 1931, airshipLZ 127 Graf Zeppelinlanded there before 100,000 spectators, followed by the airshipLZ 130 Graf Zeppelin IIon 9 July 1939. DuringWorld War II,Meiningen was the location of aprisoner of warhospital, and several German military hospitals. TheDeutsche Dienststellewas based in theDrachenbergkasernebarracks from 1943 to 1945. A heavy air raid on Meiningen on 23 February 1945, by theUSAAFcaused 208 deaths, destroyed 251 houses and two bridges in total, and damaged 440 buildings. Meiningen was occupied by American armed forces on 5 April 1945.[10]
In July 1945, the town was included in the Soviet occupation zone along with the rest of Thuringia, and thus later became part of theGerman Democratic Republic(DDR). To accommodate workers for amicroelectronicsplant, theRobotron Meiningen,the new district of Jerusalem (Meiningen) was created from 1967 to 1983 in the north between Helba and Welkershausen, eventually housing around 6,000 inhabitants. Meiningen was an important center ofDie Wendein southern Thuringia in 1989. Among the many events were a total of 25 demonstrations with 1,000-25,000 participants.
After German reunification in 1990, Meiningen became the district town of Schmalkalden-Meiningen. In theDreißigackerdistrict, new businesses and the new Meiningen Hospital were constructed. In the 1990s, there was a new construction boom in the town, with many houses being renovated and embellished. In July 1994, Chancellor of GermanyHelmut Kohlvisited the town,Angela Merkeldid so in April 2012. The newJustizzentrum(court house) was built in 2000. In 2003, the town was connected to theBundesautobahn 71.With the opening of the newKammerspielein June 2008, the town created another theater venue, underlining its national significance as a cultural town. In 2013, the new industrial areaRohrer Bergnear the motorway junction Meiningen-North was created.
Geography and climate
editThe town is situated in the valley of theWerrariver between theThuringian Forestand theRhön Mountains.Meiningen lies 60 kilometres (37 miles) east ofFulda,80 km (50 mi) south ofErfurtand 104 km (65 mi) north ofWürzburg,across theformer frontierbetween West andEast Germany.
Subdivisions
editMeiningen has several subdivisions. The urban districts are town center, North, East, South, Jerusalem (Meiningen), the rural communities are Helba (amalgamated in 1923) and Welkershausen (1936), asDreißigacker(1990) andHerpf(2010). The former municipalitiesHenneberg,WallbachandWalldorfwere merged into Meiningen in January 2019,Stepfershausenin December 2019, andSülzfeldin January 2024.[11]
Meiningen abuts the following municipalities:Wasungen,Utendorf,Kühndorf,Rohr, Thuringia,Ellingshausen,Obermaßfeld-Grimmenthal,Untermaßfeld,Grabfeld,Mellrichstadt(Bavaria),Rhönblick,RippershausenandMehmels.
Climate
editThe relation to the surrounding mountain ranges of the Rhön mountains and the Thuringian Highland deep and sheltered Werra valley and the dense town buildings provide a regional level, for a mild climate in Meiningen. The following values are averages from 1990 until 2012.[12]The average annual temperature is 9.1 °C (48.4 °F). Temperature extremes since 1960 at Meiningen have ranged from 36.1 °C (97.0 °F) on August 7, 2015, down to −18.5 °C (−1.3 °F) on February 12, 2012. The rainfall is 656 millimeters and the sun shines 1,559 hours per year.
Climate data for Meiningen (1991–2020 normals) | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Record high °C (°F) | 13.7 (56.7) |
14.6 (58.3) |
21.1 (70.0) |
28.7 (83.7) |
30.4 (86.7) |
33.1 (91.6) |
35.7 (96.3) |
36.1 (97.0) |
30.4 (86.7) |
25.0 (77.0) |
16.5 (61.7) |
13.9 (57.0) |
36.1 (97.0) |
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 1.8 (35.2) |
3.2 (37.8) |
7.8 (46.0) |
13.2 (55.8) |
17.3 (63.1) |
20.5 (68.9) |
22.7 (72.9) |
22.5 (72.5) |
17.7 (63.9) |
11.9 (53.4) |
5.9 (42.6) |
2.4 (36.3) |
12.2 (54.0) |
Daily mean °C (°F) | −0.5 (31.1) |
0.2 (32.4) |
3.8 (38.8) |
8.4 (47.1) |
12.5 (54.5) |
15.7 (60.3) |
17.7 (63.9) |
17.3 (63.1) |
13.0 (55.4) |
8.2 (46.8) |
3.5 (38.3) |
0.3 (32.5) |
8.3 (46.9) |
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | −2.9 (26.8) |
−2.8 (27.0) |
0.0 (32.0) |
3.5 (38.3) |
7.4 (45.3) |
10.6 (51.1) |
12.6 (54.7) |
12.3 (54.1) |
8.6 (47.5) |
4.9 (40.8) |
1.2 (34.2) |
−1.8 (28.8) |
4.5 (40.1) |
Record low °C (°F) | −20.4 (−4.7) |
−19.2 (−2.6) |
−19.1 (−2.4) |
−10.7 (12.7) |
−3.0 (26.6) |
1.1 (34.0) |
4.2 (39.6) |
2.4 (36.3) |
−1.2 (29.8) |
−6.8 (19.8) |
−13.3 (8.1) |
−18.9 (−2.0) |
−20.4 (−4.7) |
Averageprecipitationmm (inches) | 53.5 (2.11) |
39.5 (1.56) |
44.0 (1.73) |
36.8 (1.45) |
59.0 (2.32) |
62.0 (2.44) |
73.8 (2.91) |
62.6 (2.46) |
52.8 (2.08) |
51.3 (2.02) |
52.4 (2.06) |
60.6 (2.39) |
648.3 (25.52) |
Average precipitation days(≥ 1.0 mm) | 17.2 | 15.1 | 15.1 | 12.3 | 13.8 | 13.3 | 15.3 | 13.5 | 12.5 | 15.5 | 17.0 | 18.6 | 179.2 |
Average snowy days(≥ 1.0 cm) | 15.5 | 14.9 | 7.2 | 0.4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.2 | 3.7 | 10.8 | 52.7 |
Averagerelative humidity(%) | 87.8 | 83.5 | 77.1 | 69.2 | 70.7 | 71.0 | 70.6 | 71.4 | 78.5 | 86.0 | 90.4 | 90.5 | 78.9 |
Mean monthlysunshine hours | 44.8 | 73.8 | 122.5 | 173.8 | 200.9 | 206.5 | 216.7 | 202.9 | 151.9 | 99.0 | 40.8 | 33.0 | 1,571 |
Source 1:World Meteorological Organization[13] | |||||||||||||
Source 2:Weather and climate in Meiningen |
Demographics
editThe town has about 25,000 (2021) inhabitants. Together with neighbouringUntermaßfeld,Obermaßfeld-Grimmenthal,Einhausen,Sülzfeld,Rippershausen,Ritschenhausen,Mellrichstadt, Wasungen andUtendorf,Meiningen forms a small conurbation with a population of about 70,000.
Economy
editAgriculture, industry and services
editMeiningen offers over 14,500 jobs in around 3,200 small and medium-sized companies, medical facilities, cultural institutions and administrations. The largest employer is the hospitalKlinikum Meiningenwith nearly 1,000 employees.[14]
Meiningen is a center of electrical engineering and high-tech manufacturing. Numerous companies in that industry (founded here or that have settled here) form abusiness cluster.This includes the global high-tech enterpriseADVA Optical Networking(ADVA AG).
Meiningen Steam Locomotive Worksis the only plant in Western and Central Europe where steam locomotives can be completely repaired and maintained. it also builds new locomotives and repairs historic passenger coaches, diesel locomotives and other railway vehicles. Other companies provide hardware for doors and windows, tools, ovens, electric goods and radiators. In the food industry, there are a wholesale bakery and a meat plant.
Outside of manufacturing, the local savings bank (Sparkasse), municipal services, the theater and museums, the railway companySüdthüringenbahnand health facilities are important in the local economy.
Agriculture plays a minor role in Meiningen as the soil is not very fertile. However, the rural districts Herpf and Dreißigacker account for most of the agricultural area (17.6% of the total municipal territory).
Arts and culture
editTheatre
editTheStaatstheater Meiningenoffers musical theatre (opera, operetta, musicals), plays, symphony concerts, puppet shows, ballet and youth theatre. TheMeiningen Hoftheateropened on 17 December 1831. It was destroyed in a fire in 1908 and was replaced in 1909 by the current building.[5]: 195 The company was called theMeininger.It featured plays and gave concerts, and travelled throughout Germany andEurope.Active support by theTheaterherzogGeorg II, Duke of Saxe-Meiningen(1866–1914) helped it to attain international celebrity. Today the theatre is known as "Staatstheater Meiningen" (State Theatre Meiningen). It employs more than 320 people. The Director is Jens Neundorff von Enzberg.
Meininger Hofkapelle
editTheMeiningen Court Orchestrais one of the oldest orchestras in Europe. The now 68-member orchestra is part of the Meininger Theatre and performs, in addition to opera accompaniment, regular symphony concerts and youth concerts.Philippe Bachwas the music director from 2010 to 2022. His successor will be Killian Farrell (Ireland) from 2023.
The court orchestra was founded in 1690 byDuke Bernhard I.In October 1880 the most successful period of the orchestra began and it developed into an elite European orchestra under the direction ofHans von Bülow.During the von Bülow period,Johannes Brahmscame to Meiningen to collaborate with the court orchestra and to conduct occasionally. Other notable conductors includedRichard Straussfrom 1885 to 1886,Max Regerfrom 1911 to 1914, andKirill Petrenkofrom 1999 to 2002.
Kunsthaus
editTheKunsthaus Meiningen(art house) is a cultural institution in the historic half-timbered houseAlte Posthalterei( "Old Post Office" ). It presents exhibitions of contemporary art and offers workshops and job opportunities for local and foreign artists.
Museums
edit- Meininger Museen( "Meiningen Museums" ) comprise six cultural and historical museums which house the largest art collection in Thuringia. The main museum is inSchloss Elisabethenburg(Elisabethenburg Palace), the former residence of the Dukes of Saxe-Meiningen.
- Museum of Literature"Baumbachhaus" is mainly an exhibition on the life and work of local poetRudolf Baumbach.Furthermore, there are exhibits on the interaction ofFriedrich Schiller,Jean PaulandLudwig Bechsteinduring their time in Meiningen. There is also a department of urban and local history.[5]: 197
- The newest art museum, opened in 1999, is theTheater Museum"Magic World of Scenery" in the former riding school near the palace. It offers an annually changing exhibit of historically important theatre stage backdrops and historical information on the European tours of the Meiningen Court Theatre.[5]: 197
- TheMeininger Zweiradmuseum(MZM) shows all types of two-wheel vehicles produced in the GDR and a variety of police vehicles. This is run by a private club whose members acquire the models and restore them to their original condition.
- Meiningen Steam Locomotive Worksfrom 2023 hosts an interactive museum. Here, visitors can learn all aboutsteam locomotives.The focus of the exhibit is a locomotive that can be accessed on multiple levels.
-
Meiningen Museums, main museum
-
Meiningen Museums, Green library
-
Theatre Museum
-
ExpositionA Winter's Taleby William Shakespeare
-
Literary museumBaumbachhaus
-
Steam Locomotive Works, museum in the green house
Landmarks
editTownscape
editMeiningen has an urban townscape typical of a residence town. The town has a historic downtown, neoclassicist streets and extensive parks in the town center. Around the center there are residential areas.
The historic old town is still surrounded by parts of thetown wallwithmoats.It originated mainly in the 12th and 13th centuries. Several times in the town's past, large-scale fires or wars destroyed many buildings. A great fire destroyed nearly half the town's old quarter in September 1874. This part was rebuilt in the Neoclassical style with ornate buildings and straight streets. This style also characterizes the main shopping street, Georgstraße. In other parts of the old town half-timbered houses from the 16th to 17th century and large mansions from the 18th to the 19th century still predominate. Since 1990, some modern new buildings were added. The center is dominated by theStadtkirche(town church). In the western part, the townscape has formed aroundSchloss Elisabethenburg.
The old town is surrounded by residential and business districts with neoclassical villas and palaces that were built in the 19th and 20th centuries, including the theater and several large bank buildings. North of the old town is the English Garden. In the north and south of the town are the industrial areas and shopping centers. While the town center and densely built-up residential areas are in the valley, many residential areas are situated on the hill slopes.
-
Shopping street Georgstraße
-
Bank buildings
-
The English Garden in the town center
-
Stadtkirchewith half-timbered house
-
View of the town
-
Meiningen-Jerusalem
Castles and palaces
edit- Schloss Elisabethenburgpalace, built 1682-1692, aBaroquecastle with three wings andHofkapelle(castle chapel) and a rotunda. This is the former seat of the Dukes ofSaxe-Meiningen.Today the palace houses museums, the town hall, the concert hallJohannes Brahms,wedding room, the restaurantSchloßstuben,a tower cafe, the town archives and the state archives.[5]: 198 It is now a museum of German History.
- Schloss Landsberg ,built 1840 for DukeBernhard II,inspired by visits to his sisterAdelheid,queen consort of the United Kingdom. Built under the direction of architect August Wilhelm Döbner inGothic revival style.
- Kleines Palais(Little Palace), built in 1821.[5]: 196 The Little Palace (also known as Princess Palace) is a Neoclassical palace of the Dukes of Saxe-Meiningen. Duke Bernhard II had it built by the architect Johann Andreas Schaubach as his summer palace.
- Großes Palais(Great Palace), built 1823. The palace was built in Neoclassical style by architect Johann Andreas Schaubach as widow seat for the DuchessLuise Eleonore.In 1863, it was renovated and expanded in theNeo-Renaissancestyle under the direction of architect Otto Hoppe.
- Strupp Villa, mansion in the Neoclassical style, built for the banker Gustav Strupp in 1909 to a design by architect Karl Behlert.
-
Schloss Elisabethenburg(castle)
-
Schloss Elisabethenburg,courtyard with fountain
-
Schloss Elisabethenburg,baroqueHessehall
-
Schloss Landsberg
-
Großes Palais
-
Kleines Palais
Churches
edit- Protestant parish church of Our Lady (Stadtkirche,town church), with foundations from the year 1000. The church received its present (Gothic revival) form after conversion in between 1884 and 1889.[5]: 196
- Catholic Church Our Lady, built in 1972.
- Castle Church, baroque style, located in the south wing ofSchloss Elisabethenburg,today a concert hall.
- Crypt Chapel in Gothic revival style in the English Garden, built in 1839-41 as a burial place for the ducal family.[5]: 196
Fountains and monuments
edit- BechsteinFountain, also calledMärchenbrunnen(fairy tale fountain). The poet and collector of fairy tales lived in Meiningen. In his honour, the fountain byRobert Diezwas erected in the English Garden in 1909.
- Heinrichsbrunnen(Emperor Henry IIFountain), considered to be the founder of the local church. Built in 1872, the fountain is located in the marketplace.[5]: 196
- Fountain Chapel, very old fountain in the small square At The Chapel.
- Monument toJohannes Brahms.The monument from 1898/99 is the work of sculptorAdolf von Hildebrand(1847-1921) from Munich. It was the first monument honouring Brahms in Germany.
- Monument toJean Paul,located in English Garden, built in 1858.
- Monument toMax Reger,it has been standing in the English Garden since 1935.
-
Emperor Henry II fountain
-
Bechstein fountain
-
Monument to Johannes Brahms
-
Monument to Jean Paul
-
Die Wende1989 in Meiningen
Other landmarks
edit- Goetz-Höhle,guided cave tours. Largest accessible gap cave in Europe with 50-metre high clefts. The cave was discovered in 1915 by Reinhold Goetz in his mountain garden and has been open to the public since 1934.
- The English Garden is located in the town center and was created in 1782.[5]: 195 The park was several times altered and enlarged in the 19th century.
- Districts in the Neoclassical style. A large part of the old town was rebuilt after a fire with stately buildings in the style of the period (Gründerzeit).
- Some half-timbered houses (examples: Büchnersches Hinterhaus, Henneberg Haus, Hartung Haus, Rassmann Haus)[5]: 196
-
Büchnersches Hinterhaus
-
Henneberger Haus
-
Artificial ruins at the English Garden (from 1793/94)
-
post office
-
hospital
Government
editMeiningen is thedistrict townof theKreisSchmalkalden-Meiningen.The town functions as a major center of southern Thuringia in a number of ways (justice (Landgericht Meiningen,Amtsgericht Meiningen), state theater, state archives, hospitals).
Mayor and town council
editThe current mayor Fabian Giesder,SPDhas been in office since 2012. His predecessor was Reinhard Kupitz,Freie Wähler(in office 1992–2012).
Election results
editThe last municipal election was held in 2014 with the result:
Party | Percentage | Seats | Seats in council |
---|---|---|---|
SPD | 26.5 | 8 | 10* |
CDU | 23.7 | 7 | 7 |
The Left | 16.8 | 5 | 5 |
Pro Meiningen | 15.7 | 5 | 4* |
Greens | 7.9 | 2 | 2 |
NPD | 3.2 | 1 | –** |
Herpf | 2.8 | 1 | 1 |
Dreißigacker | 2.2 | 1 | –* |
* The holders of one seat from Pro Meiningen and the one from Dreißigacker switched in June 2014 to SPD. / ** until 15 February 2015 (resigned).
Town twinning
editMeiningen istwinnedwith:
- Neu-Ulm,Germany, since 1988
- Bussy-Saint-Georges,France,since 2006
- Obertshausen,Germany, since 2007
- Meiningen (Vorarlberg),Austria, since 2012
Friendly relations also exist with the city ofAdelaideinAustraliabecause it was named for Queen Adelaide (Queen of the United Kingdom), born and raised in Meiningen as PrincessAdelaide of Saxe-Meiningen.
Infrastructure
editTransport
edit- Road
Meiningen is located at theBundesautobahn 71(Sangerhausen–Erfurt–Schweinfurt) with two motorway junction. Furthermore, there are twoBundesstrassen(federal roads): toEisenachandWürzburg(B 19) and toSonnebergandKronach(B 89) as well as some regional roads toFuldainHesse,Suhlin Thuringia andMellrichstadtinBavaria.A bypass road around Meiningen was built in the 2000s in the east; its northeastern extension is in planning.
- Railway
Meiningen has been a railway node since the late 19th century. TheWerra Railwaywas opened in 1858, theSchweinfurt–Meiningen railwayin 1874 and theNeudietendorf–Ritschenhausen railwayfrom Erfurt in 1884.Meiningen stationwas built in 1858. The Bavarian station was added as the second train station in 1874. There are direct train services to Erfurt, Eisenach, Sonneberg and Schweinfurt.
- Bus
Urban transport is operated by bus routes. There are 13 lines with about 100 stops, serving all parts of the town.
- Bike
There are several long-distance cycling trails, the firstWerratal-Radwegalong theWerravalley from theThuringian Forestto the riverWeser,the secondMain-Werra-Radwegfrom Meiningen to Würzburg on theMainriver. A third trail goes from Meiningen toHaßfurtin Bavaria.
Education
editAfter reunification, the educational system was reformed. In 1994, the ThuringianPolice academyMeiningen was established and in 1998 a PoliceHochschule(tertiary education/ German name: Fachhochschule Polizei) was added. The campus accommodates about 500 police officers in training. In addition, there are twomedical schoolsand a technical school forEmergency medical technicians.Furthermore, there is one public and one ProtestantGymnasiumin Meiningen.
Notable people
editPeople born in Meiningen
edit- Peretz Bernstein(1890–1971), Israeli politician
- Matthias Brenner(born 1957), actor, director and writer
- Fritz Diez(1901–1979), actor and producer
- Kurt May(1896–1992), Lawyer and campaigner against the Nazis
- Bernd Meinunger(born 1944), lyricist and record producer
- Theodor Oberländer(1905–1998), German politician
- Paul Oestreicher(born 1931), Anglican priest and canon emeritus inCoventry
- PrincessAdelaide of Saxe-Meiningen(1792–1849), queen consort of the United Kingdom and of Hanover as spouse ofWilliam IV of the United Kingdom
- Georg II, Duke of Saxe-Meiningen(1826–1914), "Theatre Duke"
- Fritz Schulz-Reichel(1912–1990), German jazz and pop pianist
- Gunter Sieberth(born 1965), oboist
- Gustav von Vaerst(1894-1975), general
- Johann Georg Walch(1693–1775), Lutheran theologian and philosopher
- Ludwig von Wolzogen(1773–1845), military officer
Notable residents
edit- Albert Bassermann(1867–1952), actor
- Rudolf Baumbach(1840–1905), poet
- Ludwig Bechstein(1801–1860), poet
- Bjørn Bjørnson(1859–1942), actor and director
- Peter Borgelt(1927–1994), actor
- Johannes Brahms(1833–1897), composer, pianist and conductor
- Hans von Bülow(1830–1894), conductor
- Eberhard Esche(1933–2006), actor
- Ellen Franz(1839–1923), (as wife of the Duke: Helene Freifrau von Heldburg), pianist and actress
- Elīna Garanča(born 1976), operatic mezzo-soprano
- Elisabeth Grümmer(1911–1986), operatic lyric soprano
- Josef Kainz(1858–1910), actor
- Carl Kiesewetter (1854–1895), historian, occultist and theosophist
- Karl Korsch(1886–1961), Marxist
- Friedrich Mosengeil (1773–1839), stenographer
- Jean Paul(1763–1825), poet
- Kirill Petrenko(born 1972), conductor
- Max Reger(1873–1916), composer, pianist and conductor
- Friedrich Schiller(1759–1805), poet
- Adele Sandrock(1863–1937), actress
- Richard Strauss(1864–1949), composer and conductor
- Ingrid van Bergen(born 1931), actress
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe(1749–1832), poet, dramatist, diplomat and philosopher
References
edit- ^Gewählte Bürgermeister - aktuelle Landesübersicht,Freistaat Thüringen. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
- ^"Bevölkerung der Gemeinden, erfüllenden Gemeinden und Verwaltungsgemeinschaften in Thüringen Gebietsstand: 31.12.2022"(in German).Thüringer Landesamt für Statistik.June 2023.
- ^City of Meiningen, citizen serviceJahresrückblick 2021 (year review), PDF (4,4 MB).
- ^Meiningen State Archives. Bernd W. Bahn: South Thuringia research, booklet 17, Section: Meiningen before the first mention, 1982.
- ^abcdefghijklmTravel Guide Beadeker, german, 2009.
- ^First mention Certification from the year 982, Meiningen Town Archives
- ^Meininger Deed Book No. 3-5. Reg. Thur. I, No. 614, 616, 618 -. Town Archives Meiningen
- ^Mon. Boica XXXVII Nr. 205; Reg. Thur. II Nr. 2194 – Town Archives Meiningen.
- ^Mon. Boica XLI Nr. 32 – Town Archives Meiningen.
- ^Thuringia under American Occupation (April until July 1945),http:// lzt-thueringen.de/files/huringia_under_american_occupation.pdfArchived1 September 2017 at theWayback Machine
- ^Thüringer Gesetz zur freiwilligen Neugliederung kreisangehöriger Gemeinden im Jahr 2024,Gesetz- und Verordnungsblatt für den Freistaat Thüringen, 2023 Nr. 15, p. 349
- ^Weather station Meiningen theGerman Weather Service
- ^"World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1991–2020".World Meteorological Organization Climatological Standard Normals (1991–2020).National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived fromthe originalon 12 October 2023.Retrieved12 October2023.
- ^Federal agency for work (Bundesagentur für Arbeit), Local labor market - municipal associations and municipalities (annual figures), 30 June 2020.