SAARBRÜCKEN
History

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The city of Saarbrücken developed around a castle near the Saar river.  The history of the Saarbrücken Palace already began in 999 when the castle Sarabruca was mentioned for the first time. Located on the top of the steep rock above the Saar River, it guarded the two settlements St. Johann and Saarbrücken and the ferries running on the river. In 1009 as well as in 1168, the castle was destroyed and then rebuilt again. Together with the fisherman's village Johann on the opposite bank of the river, Saarbrücken was granted city rights and its own administration in 1321.

In 1640 Count Ludwig had a Gymnasium built as well as a new palace in Renaissance style.

Saarbrücken reached a scientific and cultural pinnacle after Prince Wilhelm Heinrich von Nassau-Saarbrücken came to power in 1741. It was the time of the beginning exploitation of the coal mines in the area. Also the existing iron and glass works were better developed. The Ludwig's church was built as well as the Residential palace with its beautiful gardens.

From 1793 until 1815 (Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo), Saarbrücken belonged to France. After 1815 it went over to Prussia.

In  1909 the three independent communities of Saarbrücken, Stadt Johann and Malstadt-Burbarch were united to form the greater Saarbrücken.

In 1944 90% of the old city center was destroyed during air raids.

Since 1948 Saarbrücken is the capital of the Saarland and home to several ministries and political organisations of the province.