Merzig

Merzig
Town hall in Merzig

Coat of arms
Merzig
Location of Merzig within Merzig-Wadern district
LuxembourgPerlMettlachLosheim am SeeMerzigBeckingenFranceWeiskirchenWadernRhineland-PalatinateSaarlouis (district)Saarbrücken (district)Neunkirchen (German district)Sankt Wendel (district)Merzig in MZG.svg
About this image
Coordinates: 49°27′N 6°37′E / 49.450°N 6.617°E / 49.450; 6.617Coordinates: 49°27′N 6°37′E / 49.450°N 6.617°E / 49.450; 6.617
Country Germany
State Saarland
District Merzig-Wadern
Government
  Mayor Marcus Hoffeld (CDU)
Area
  Total 108.79 km2 (42.00 sq mi)
Elevation 172 m (564 ft)
Population (2017-12-31)[1]
  Total 29,818
  Density 270/km2 (710/sq mi)
Time zone CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2)
Postal codes 66651–66663
Dialling codes 06861, 06869
Vehicle registration MZG
Website www.merzig.de

Merzig is the capital of the district Merzig-Wadern, in Saarland, Germany. It is situated on the river Saar, approx. 35 km south of Trier, and 35 km northwest of Saarbrücken.

History

Historical affiliations

Roman Empire 369–5th century
Franks 5th century
Francia->Carolingian Empire 481–888
Bishopric->Prince-Bishopric->Electorate of Trier 888–1333
Duchy of Lorraine/ Electorate of Trier 1333–1766 (condominium)
Kingdom of France/ Electorate of Trier 1766–1778 (condominium)
Electorate of Trier 1778–1794
French Republic->French Empire 1794–1815
 Kingdom of Prussia 1815–1871
 German Empire 1871–1918
Territory of the Saar Basin 1920–1935
 Nazi Germany 1935–1945
Saar Protectorate 1947–1956
 West Germany 1957–1990
 Germany 1990–present

The town was first mentioned in 369 as Martiaticum. Under French rule it was known as Mercy.

Municipalities

Romanesque St. Peter's Church
Neoclassical St. Mary's Chapel

Merzig was created in 1974 as part of the territorial reform in Saarland. The present-day city consists of the previous town of Merzig and 16 surrounding municipalities. The population of the present city, including all outlying districts (as of June 30, 2011):

MunicipalityPopulation
Merzig10,934
Ballern1,189
Besseringen2,979
Bietzen968
Brotdorf3,733
Büdingen310
Fitten706
Harlingen565
Hilbringen2,569
Mechern834
Menningen635
Merchingen939
Mondorf768
Schwemlingen2,186
Silwingen387
Weiler350
Wellingen291
Total30,343

Sights

Sport

Merzig is the birthplace of footballer Kevin Trapp and tennis player Benjamin Becker.

Musical Theatre

Since 2012 Merzig stages musicals for two months each year, starring famous German musical actors like Uwe Kröger. The venue is a huge marquee, called 'Zeltpalast' (marquee palace).

  • Media related to Merzig at Wikimedia Commons
  • Merzig travel guide from Wikivoyage

References

  1. "Fläche und Bevölkerung - Stand: 31.12.2017 (Basis Zensus 2011)" (PDF). Statistisches Amt des Saarlandes (in German). September 2018.
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