Cultural Life
Coburg is a lively mid-sized town with a rich cultural life. It is situated in a picturesque, hilly area between the Thuringian forest and the Upper Main Valley. Coburg looks back on a long and eventful history. The name of the town is first mentioned in a monastic chronicle from 1056. The Veste Coburg (Coburg Castle) is the famous landmark of the town and is also referred to as the “Franconian Crown”. Its origin dates back to the area of the “Staufer” (1150-1250). In the middle of the 13th century, the Veste transferred to the ownership of Lord von Henneberg and later to the Markgrafen von Meißen. Their offspring was to rule Coburg till World War I. In the Middle ages the town was a central station along an important trade and travel route which connected Leipzig, Nürnberg and Augsburg. This is also how Martin Luther came to stay in the Veste for a few months in 1530. Today you can visit the original chamber where Luther slept. In 1547 the dukes moved from the Veste into the castle of Ehrenburg.
History
Afterwards, Coburg became its own state. Under the regency of Johan Casimir, the courts and administration were introduced. He was the one who built numerous splendid buildings which are typical features of Coburg today. More changes to the town’s architecture, such as the establishment of lush gardens, the castle grounds, and buildings like theater and conversion of the castle Ehrenburg were carried out in the 19th century under the reign of the dukes.
The dynasty of Coburg though its links and intermarrying with other monarchies throughout Europe lead to the towns increased importance in the 19th century. Connections were made with England, Belgium, Portugal, Romania, Bulgaria and Russia. Bonds were even created with Mexico, and even into the 20th century with Sweden.
However, the end of World War I brought a sudden end to the monarchy. Through a referendum, people decided in 1920 that Coburg should become part of Bavaria (rather than Thuringia which was the bordering county).
The full impact of this decision was only to come after World War II. In 1949 the neighbouring county of Thuringia, which was located in the occupied zone of the Soviet Union became part of GDR.
Coburg used to be in the heart of Germany and was now put in a marginal position. New hopes and perspectives for the town and its region started to rise after Germany’s reunification. Former contacts to Thuringia were revitalised, new contacts were quickly made.
Today Coburg is situated in one of the most heavily industrialized regions of Bavaria. Various small- and middle-sized companies are located within the Coburg area.
The Symbol of the Town
St. Maurice is the patron saint of the city to whom the main church, St. Moriz (St. Maurice), is dedicated. According to the legend Maurice lived in the 3rd century and was the commander of a Roman legion. His soldiers were Christians, originating from Thebes in Upper Egypt like himself. Maurice was sent at the head of his Theban Legion to quash a revolt in Gual near Agaunum next to Lake Geneva, present day St. Maurice of Valais. The soldiers refused, however, to fight their Christian brethren. According to a second version they refused to sacrifice to the pagan Roman gods and rebellion broke out. Maurice was executed as the leader and his legion was decimated. A church was built later over the bones of the martyrs, which soon became a place of pilgrimage.
The moor's head along with the lion or alone by itself maybe seen everywhere in Coburg. Fountains, bridges, and buildings bear his resemblance, appearing six times on the outside and the inside of the town hall alone.
Schedules
Farewell Party 2011
Project Placement and Coaching / Frankfurt April 2011
- Project Placement and Coaching / Frankfurt, April, 2011
