Thuringia

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A Bit About Thuringia

• Thuringia is one of the 16 states in Germany.
• Called the “Green Heart of Germany”
• It was disputed territory between the Soviet Union who wanted it for East Germany and the West, who wanted it for West Germany.
• Ultimately, it was traded to the Soviets for West Berlin.
• Many historic towns and castles in Thuringia. Examples:
• The Wartburg Castle – the most important medieval castle in Germany. Located in Eisenach, about 30 minutes from Erfurt.
• Weimar – the town where the documents that instituted the short-lived Weimar Republic. The Weimar Republic was the structure of governance for Germany immediately after WWII. It was disbanded by Hitler and the Nazi movement in the mid-1930s.
• Arnstadt – One of the oldest towns in Germany. The famous German composer Johan Bach lived and worked as a church organis in the early 18th century.
• Ilmenau – Not historic, but the location of the Technical Univ. Ilmenau and home of the FIDMT