Time zone CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2) Dialling codes 03644, 036462, 036465 Area 46.15 km² Local time Monday 2:47 PM | Postal codes 99501-99510 Vehicle registration AP,APD Population 23,386 (31 Dec 2008) | |
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Weather 13°C, Wind S at 26 km/h, 53% Humidity Points of interest Museumsbaracke "Olle DDR" Apolda, Kunsthaus, Alte Glockengießerei Apolda, Glocken‑ und Stadtmuseum, Dobermann Denkmal | ||
Apolda ( ) is a town in central Thuringia, Germany, the capital of the Weimarer Land district. It is situated in the center of the triangle Weimar–Jena–Naumburg near the river Ilm, c. 15 kilometres (9 miles) east by north from Weimar, on the main line of railway from Berlin via Halle, to Frankfurt.
Contents
Map of 99510 Apolda, Germany
History
Apolda was first mentioned in 1119. Until 1633 it was seat of a family of nobles, the Vitzthums, which acted relatively independent. Between 1633 and World War I Apolda was property of Jena University. Nevertheless, from 1691 to 1809 Apolda was part of the Duchy of Saxe-Weimar and from 1809 to 1918 of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach (after 1815 Grand Duchy). Around 1700, the knitting industry began to grow, so that finally, at the end of the 19th century, Apolda was the wealthiest town of the whole region. After World War II, Thuringia became part of the German Democratic Republic. Up to German reunification Apolda still was famous for its textile industries. Since then, a notable economic decay has taken place.
Mayors
Ernst Stegmann was the long-time mayor of Apolda with 33 years in office (1901-1934).
Main sights
It has few notable public buildings, but possesses three churches and monuments to the Dobermann Pinscher dog breed, which was created in Apolda, and to Christian Zimmermann (1759–1842), who, by introducing the hosiery and cloth manufacture, made Apolda one of the most important places in Germany in these branches of industry. It has also had extensive dyeworks, bell foundries, and manufactures of steam engines, boilers, cars and bicycles. After German reunification the majority of these had to be closed down for economical reasons.
The most important sights are:
The largest free hanging bell in the world, the Decke Pitter of Cologne Cathedral, was made in Apolda. Apolda also has mineral springs.
Twin towns – sister cities
Apolda is twinned with: