Würzburg

With a current population of around 127,000, the capital of the Bavarian administrative district of Lower Franconia, located in the fertile "Maindreieck" region known for viticulture, ranks seventh among all cities in the blue-and-white state. The mild microclimate as well as the location on the river led to the first Celtic settlements in the city area, which today covers a good 87 km², as early as about 2,000 years ago. Towards the middle of the 8th century, Würzburg became a bishop's seat and an important trading center, and in 1402 the Hohe Schule (High School) was founded as a precursor to the university. The former residence of the prince bishops is considered one of the most beautiful baroque castles in Germany and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 13th-century Marienberg Fortress on the Michaelsberg is also often visited.