Gera

Gera gāˈrä [key], city, Thuringia, E Germany, on the White Elster River. It is an industrial center and a rail and road junction. Manufactures include textiles, metal products, machinery, and furniture. Gera was chartered in the early 13th cent. and was badly damaged by several fires in the 17th and 18th cent. It was the capital of the former principality of Reuss (Younger Line) from 1806 to 1918. It suffered heavy damage in World War II, after which a new city center was built. Noteworthy buildings of the city include Osterstein Palace (built 1686–1735) and the city hall (18th cent.).

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