Marburg an der Lahn

Marburg an der Lahn märˈbo͝ork än dĕr län [key] or Marburg, city (1994 pop. 76,582), Hesse, Germany, on the Lahn River. It is chiefly known for its Protestant university, founded in 1527 by Philip of Hesse. Tourism is its largest industry; manufactures include chemicals, pottery, and precision instruments.

Marburg grew in the 12th cent. around a castle; it was chartered in 1227 and, at intervals during the 13th to 17th cent., served as the residence of the landgraves of Hesse. Marburg became part of the Prussian province of Hesse-Nassau in 1866. The castle, which still dominates the picturesque city, was the scene of the famous Marburg Colloquy, held (1529) under the auspices of Philip of Hesse; it failed to bring about agreement between Luther and Melanchthon on the one side and Zwingli on the other. St. Elizabeth of Hungary is buried in the fine Gothic church (13th–14th cent.) dedicated to her; the remains of Field Marshal Hindenburg and of Frederick William I and Frederick II of Prussia were transferred to the church soon after World War II.

See more Encyclopedia articles on: German Political Geography