Villingen-Schwenningen: The largest double name community in Germany!

Villingen-Schwenningen: The largest double name community in Germany!

Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Deutschland - Villingen-Schwenningen, the largest community with double names in Germany, has a fascinating story that goes back to 817 when the first mentions in a certificate from Emperor Ludwig I take place. The city, which is now 89,784 inhabitants, was created on January 1, 1972 by the merger of the two originally independent cities of Villingen and Schwenningen. This merger was part of a comprehensive area reform in Baden-Württemberg, which took place between 1968 and 1975 and aimed to reduce the number of communities and to create equivalent living conditions. According to Merkur , this reform was reduced from 3379 to 1111.

Villingen is often referred to as the “thousand -year -old city” and is characterized by their enchanting half -timbered houses and a rich art -historical tradition. The city has been part of various areas of land for the centuries, including Vorderösterreich, before it came to swim in 1806. Schwenningen, on the other hand, developed from a small village into a city that became known primarily in the 19th century through the watch industry. While Villingen has a clearer city structure, Schwenningen is characterized by uneven growth around factories, which gives it its very own charm. While Villingen traditionally shaped Roman Catholic, the predominantly Evangelical-Lutheran residents of Schwenningen have also developed their own cultural identity. Landeskunde Baden-Württemberg illuminates these different religious imprints that still affect the mentality of the two districts.

a symbol for the middle Black Forest

Villingen-Schwenningen is not only an administrative unit, but also a symbol of the historical connections and differences between cultures in Baden and Württemberg. The merger was the result of a positive vote by the citizens and reflects the will to head together to a successful future. In the first half of the 20th century, Villingen showed a flourishing development after it was levied to the city in 1907, while Schwenningen attracted attention primarily as the center of watch production.

In 2001, Villingen-Schwenningen was awarded its own coat of arms, which combines the heraldic animals of both cities and thus underlines the identity of the merged community. The districts each have their own postcodes and town halls, which illustrates the still existing differences. Nevertheless, the city is known and valued for its togetherness and its abilities to combine tradition and modernity.

A look into the future

The history and development of Villingen-Schwenningen is an impressive example of successful cooperation and the positive effects of city fusions. The area reform, which offered a solid framework for the creation of these and many other communities, was carried out with the aim of not only improving the administrative structures, but also the quality of life. The reform, which was heralded with the law to strengthen the administrative strength of smaller communities, has shown how potential can be raised through cooperation. Despite various religious and cultural roots, which have shaped the two districts over the centuries, Villingen-Schwenningen is a lively example of how urban changes and common sense can strengthen a region. Wikipedia offers a comprehensive overview of this important reform.