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Coordinates: 51°32′05″N 7°41′20″E / 51.53472°N 7.68889°E / 51.53472; 7.68889
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{{other uses}}
{{other uses}}
{{Infobox German location
{{Infobox German location
|type = Stadt
|type = Stadt
|name = Unna
|name = Unna
|image_photo = Unna Alter Markt.jpg
|image_photo = Unna Alter Markt.jpg
|image_caption = The Old Market in Unna
|image_caption = The Old Market in Unna
|image_coa = DEU Unna COA.svg
|image_flag = Flagge Unna.svg
|image_coa = DEU Unna COA.svg
|coordinates = {{coord|51|32|05|N|7|41|20|E|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
|coordinates = {{coord|51|32|05|N|7|41|20|E|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
|image_plan = Unna in UN.svg
|image_plan = Unna in UN.svg
|state = Nordrhein-Westfalen
|state = Nordrhein-Westfalen
|region = Arnsberg
|region = Arnsberg
|district = Unna
|district = Unna
|elevation = 142 <!-- AVERAGE VALUE BETWEEN 65 AND 220 -->
|elevation = 142 <!-- AVERAGE VALUE BETWEEN 65 AND 220 -->
|area = 88.52
|area = 88.52
|population = 66870
|postal_code = 59423, 59425, 59427
|Stand = 2009-06-30
|area_code = 02303, 02308
|postal_code = 59423, 59425, 59427
|licence = UN
|area_code = 02303, 02308
⚫
|licence = UN
|Gemeindeschlüssel = 05 9 78 036
|Gemeindeschlüssel = 05 9 78 036
|website = [http://www.unna.de/ www.unna.de]
|website = [https://www.unna.de/ www.unna.de]
|mayor = Dirk Wigant<ref>[https://www.wahlergebnisse.nrw/kommunalwahlen/2020/index_bm.shtml Wahlergebnisse in NRW Kommunalwahlen 2020], Land Nordrhein-Westfalen, accessed 30 June 2021.</ref>
|mayor = Werner Kolter
|party = SPD
|leader_term = 2020&ndash;25
⚫
|party = CDU
}}
}}

'''Unna''' is a city of around 57,000 people in [[North Rhine-Westphalia]], [[Germany]], the seat of the [[Unna (district)|Unna district]].
'''Unna''' ({{IPA|de|ˈʊna|-|De-Unna.ogg}}) is a city of around 59,000 people in [[North Rhine-Westphalia]], [[Germany]], the seat of the [[Unna (district)|Unna district]].

⚫
The newly refurbished [[Unna station]] has trains to all major cities in [[North Rhine Westphalia]] including [[Dortmund]], [[Köln Hauptbahnhof|Cologne]], [[Münster Hauptbahnhof|Münster]], [[Hamm (Westfalen) station|Hamm]], [[Düsseldorf]] and [[Wuppertal Hauptbahnhof|Wuppertal]]. There is also the [[Regional-Express]] 7 ([[Rhein-Münsterland-Express]]), which runs from [[Rheine station|Rheine]] via Cologne to [[Krefeld Hauptbahnhof|Krefeld]].


==Geography==
==Geography==
Unna is situated on an ancient salt-trading route, the [[Hellweg|Westphalian Hellweg]]. Trade on this route and during the period of the [[Hanseatic League]] came from as far as London. The city is located at the eastern extremity of the [[Ruhr|Ruhr district]], about {{convert|15|km|0|abbr=off}} east of the centre of [[Dortmund]].
Unna is situated on an ancient salt-trading route, the [[Hellweg|Westphalian Hellweg]]. Trade on this route and during the period of the [[Hanseatic League]] came from as far as London. The city is located at the eastern extremity of the [[Ruhr|Ruhr district]], about {{convert|15|km|0|abbr=off}} east of the centre of [[Dortmund]]. Unna also serves as a dormitory city, being home to many commuters who work in [[Dortmund]] and other nearby cities. Local dialects of German include [[Westphalian language|Westfälisch]] and [[Ruhrpott]]. The recreational district of [[Sauerland]] is nearby. The River [[Ruhr]] runs just south of Unna through [[Fröndenberg]], before heading through the main part of the Ruhr district.


===Districts===
===Districts===
Unna consists of the following districts:
Unna consists of the following districts:
[[File:Stadtplan Unna.png|left|thumb|273x273px|Districts of Unna]]


* Unna (city centre)
* Unna (city centre)
*Königsborn
* Königsborn
* Massen
* Massen
*Afferde
* Afferde
* Billmerich
* Billmerich
* Kessebüren
* Kessebüren
* Mühlhausen and Uelzen
* Mühlhausen and Uelzen
*Lünern and Stockum
* Lünern and Stockum
*Hemmerde, Westhemmerde and Siddinghausen
* Hemmerde, Westhemmerde and Siddinghausen


Massen and Königsborn are former industrial and mining areas; the other districts have a more rural character.
Massen and Königsborn are former industrial and mining areas; the other districts have a more rural character.
Line 46: Line 48:
==History==
==History==
The history of human settlement in what is now the city of Unna can be traced back to the [[Neolithic]] Era.
The history of human settlement in what is now the city of Unna can be traced back to the [[Neolithic]] Era.
[[File:Stadtkirche Unna.jpg|alt=|thumb|The medieval Gothic Church]]
[[File:Stadtkirche Unna1.JPG|alt=|thumb|The medieval Gothic Church]]
In the [[Middle Ages]], Unna gained significance as a way station on the [[Hellweg]]. It is first recorded by name in an ecclesiastical document of 1032. Around 1200, Count Friedrich von [[County of Altena-Isenberg|Altena-Isenberg]] was invested with the fiefdom of Unna, among other estates, by the [[Archbishop-Electorate of Cologne|archbishop-electorate of Cologne]]. Over the next few hundred years the town was repeatedly fought over, and burned down several times. In the 14th century the town became wealthy: a mint was established and regional trade blossomed. This is documented by the discovery of around 70 gold coins during excavation works in 1952. The coins originated from various countries and are thought to have been buried around 1375.
In the [[Middle Ages]], Unna gained significance as a way station on the [[Hellweg]]. It is first recorded by name in an ecclesiastical document of 1032. Around 1200, Count Friedrich von [[County of Altena-Isenberg|Altena-Isenberg]] was invested with the fiefdom of Unna, among other estates, by the [[Archbishop-Electorate of Cologne|archbishop-electorate of Cologne]]. Over the next few hundred years the town was repeatedly fought over, and burned down several times. In the 14th century the town became wealthy: a mint was established and regional trade blossomed. This is documented by the discovery of around 70 gold coins during excavation works in 1952. The coins originated from various countries and are thought to have been buried around 1375.<ref>{{Cite book|chapter-url=https://sammlungen.ulb.uni-muenster.de/hd/content/titleinfo/132628|chapter=Part 2, Piece 13 (1755) History of the town and parish of Unna|author=Johann Diederich von Steinen|date=3 August 1755|title=Johann Diederich von Steinen, Ev. Luth. Pred. zu Frömern ... Westphälische Geschichte : mit Kupfern|url=https://sammlungen.ulb.uni-muenster.de/hd/content/titleinfo/209179|location=Unna|publisher=Meyer|language=de}}</ref>


From the mid-15th century on, the city was a notable trade centre and member of the [[Hanseatic League]]. In 1597 more than half the population died of the [[Bubonic plague]]. In the early 17th century, the town changed hands several times in religious wars, and in 1666 fell under the control of [[Prussia]]. In the early 19th century, the primary character of the town started to change from agricultural to industrial, with improved communications by road, rail and waterways. Coal mining started in 1870, together with industries dependent on it. The population rose from around 2,500 at the start of the 19th century to 15,000 in 1900.
From the mid-15th century on, the city was a notable trade centre and member of the [[Hanseatic League]]. In 1597 more than half the population died of the [[Bubonic plague]]. In the early 17th century, the town changed hands several times in religious wars, and in 1666 fell under the control of [[Prussia]]. In the early 19th century, the primary character of the town started to change from agricultural to industrial, with improved communications by road, rail and waterways. Coal mining started in 1870, together with industries dependent on it. The population rose from around 2,500 at the start of the 19th century to 15,000 in 1900.
Line 53: Line 55:
At the beginning of the 19th century, the city district Königsborn (then ''Bad Königsborn'') gained prominence as a [[health resort]] with [[mineral spring]]s. The cityscape of Königsborn still shows many historic buildings from that era, and the former spa gardens still serve as a recreation place for locals and tourists. In 2013, a geological survey showed that the mineral springs could still be used for health purposes.
At the beginning of the 19th century, the city district Königsborn (then ''Bad Königsborn'') gained prominence as a [[health resort]] with [[mineral spring]]s. The cityscape of Königsborn still shows many historic buildings from that era, and the former spa gardens still serve as a recreation place for locals and tourists. In 2013, a geological survey showed that the mineral springs could still be used for health purposes.


During the [[Second World War]], in 1943-45 there were major air attacks directed at the significant barracks and other military installations in the city.
During the [[Second World War]], in 1943-45 there were major air attacks directed at the significant barracks and other military installations in the city. In the older part of the city, there are many half-timbered buildings built between the 16th and 19th centuries. Unna's economy was largely based on agriculture until the 19th century, when it became industrialised. After World War II, the artisan district which had survived bombing was largely torn down to make way for modern development; however many of the buildings have been restored.

In the older part of the city, there are many half-timbered buildings built between the 16th and 19th centuries. Unna's economy was largely based on agriculture until the 19th century, when it became industrialised. After World War II, the artisan district which had survived bombing was largely torn down to make way for modern development; however many of the buildings have been restored.


==Culture==
==Culture==
[[File:Unna_Lindenbrauerei_Kamin_Fibonacci_IMGP3086.jpg|left|thumb|The Centre for International Light Art (CILA): Installation of [[Fibonacci number]]s by [[Mario Merz]].]]Unna is seat of the world's only [[art museum]] dedicated exclusively to the collection and presentation of [[Light art]], the [[Centre for International Light Art]] (CILA). It is located in the former Linden brewery, a red brick industrial building complex dating from the 19th century close to the heart of the city. Its landmark is an installation of [[Fibonacci_number|Fibonacci numbers]] by Italian artist [[Mario Merz]] on the brewery's chimney (the thirteenth-century mathematician [[Fibonacci|Leonardo Fibonacci]] lived in [[Pisa]], twinned with Unna since 1996). The light art installations are integrated into the industrial structures of the brewery's former cellar vaults. The former brewery buildings are also home to the city library, the adult education centre (Volkshochschule), and the tourist information centre.
[[File:Unna_Lindenbrauerei_Kamin_Fibonacci_IMGP3086.jpg|left|thumb|The Centre for International Light Art (CILA): Installation of [[Fibonacci number]]s by [[Mario Merz]].]]Unna is seat of the world's only [[art museum]] dedicated exclusively to the collection and presentation of [[Light art]], the [[Centre for International Light Art]] (CILA).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lichtkunst-unna.de/en/centre|author=Centre for International Light Art|title=Ruhrkunstmuseen|date=21 February 2022}}</ref> It is located in the former Linden brewery, a red brick industrial building complex dating from the 19th century close to the heart of the city. Its landmark is an installation of [[Fibonacci number]]s by Italian artist [[Mario Merz]] on the brewery's chimney (the thirteenth-century mathematician [[Fibonacci|Leonardo Fibonacci]] lived in [[Pisa]], twinned with Unna since 1996). The light art installations are integrated into the industrial structures of the brewery's former cellar vaults. The former brewery buildings are also home to the city library, the adult education centre (Volkshochschule), and the tourist information centre.
[[File:Unna Stadtmauer.jpg|thumb|Part of the medieval city wall]]

[[File:Unna Stadtmauer.jpg|thumb|Part of the medieval city wall]]The city's ''Hellweg Museum'', a regional history museum, is located in the medieval Unna castle. Many historic buildings as well as parts of the city wall, including towers near the artisan quarter, remain intact and in good condition.
Unna's ''Hellweg Museum'', a regional history museum, is located in the medieval Unna castle. Many historic buildings as well as parts of the city wall, including towers near the artisan quarter, remain intact and in good condition. Unna holds the largest Italian festival north of [[Italy]] every two years (happily named ''Un(n)a Festa Italiana''), when buildings are decorated with light installations by artists from [[Bari]] in Italy. An annual Christmas market and a city festival are located in the Old Market Square, stretching from there through the pedestrian area to the city hall.
⚫
[[File:Unna Esel Josef Baron totale IMGP6406 wp.jpg|alt=|thumb|Donkey fountain in the city square (Josef Baron)]]

Unna holds the largest Italian festival north of [[Italy]] every two years (happily named ''Un(n)a Festa Italiana''), when buildings are decorated with light installations by artists from [[Bari]] in Italy. An annual Christmas market and a city festival are located in the Old Market Square, stretching from there through the pedestrian area to the city hall.
⚫
[[File:Eselsbrunnen Unna.jpg|alt=|thumb|Donkey fountain in the city square (Josef Baron)]]
Unna is home to a large community of artists, some of whose works are on public display in the city. In the Old Market Square, e.g., there is a statue by painter and sculptor [[Josef Baron]], depicting a man pulling a stubborn donkey, which is the city mascot.
Unna is home to a large community of artists, some of whose works are on public display in the city. In the Old Market Square, e.g., there is a statue by painter and sculptor [[Josef Baron]], depicting a man pulling a stubborn donkey, which is the city mascot.
[[File:Unna Lindenbrauerei.jpg|thumb|Former Brewery (''Lindenbrauerei'')]]

[[File:Unna Lindenbrauerei.jpg|thumb|Former Brewery (''Lindenbrauerei'')]]A common part of traditional German drinking culture, numerous breweries once formed part of the cityscape, of which the largest and most well known was the ''Lindenbrauerei'' (formerly ''Linden-Adler-Brauerei''). It marketed its products under the name ''Lindenbier'' or ''Lindenpils''. Most of the breweries have since closed down, but the Lindenbrauerei started a small-scale production again at the beginning of the 21st century.<ref>https://untappd.com/b/lindenbrauerei-unna-lindenbier/974659|Untappd - LindenBier</ref> In common with other German towns, Unna also produces its own traditional herbal liquor, 'Herting Pörter', named after the city's Herting gate or 'port'. The liquor is produced near where the gate used to be, and is sold locally.
A common part of traditional German drinking culture, numerous breweries once formed part of the cityscape, of which the largest and most well known was the ''Lindenbrauerei'' (formerly ''Linden-Adler-Brauerei''). It marketed its products under the name ''Lindenbier'' or ''Lindenpils''. Most of the breweries have since closed down, but the Lindenbrauerei started a small-scale production again at the beginning of the 21st century.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://untappd.com/b/hausbrauerei-lindenbrauerei-unna-lindenbier/974659|title=Untappd|first=The Untappd|last=Team|website=Untappd}}</ref> In common with other German towns, Unna also produces its own traditional herbal liquor, 'Herting Pörter', named after the city's Herting gate or 'port'. The liquor is produced near where the gate used to be, and is sold locally.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://getraenke-krieger.com/index.php/hertingpoerter|title=Hertingpöter - der gute Likör|language=de|date=21 February 2022}}</ref>

⚫
The newly refurbished [[Unna station]] has trains to all major cities in [[North Rhine Westphalia]] including [[Dortmund]], [[Köln Hauptbahnhof|Cologne]], [[Münster Hauptbahnhof|Münster]], [[Hamm (Westfalen) station|Hamm]], [[Düsseldorf]] and [[Wuppertal Hauptbahnhof|Wuppertal]]. There is also the [[Regional-Express]] 7 ([[Rhein-Münsterland-Express]]) which runs from [[Rheine station|Rheine]] via Cologne to [[Krefeld Hauptbahnhof|Krefeld]].

The recreational district of [[Sauerland]] is nearby. The River [[Ruhr]] runs just south of Unna through [[Fröndenberg]], before heading through the main part of the Ruhr district.

Local dialects of German include [[Westphalian language|Westfälisch]] and [[Ruhrpott]].


==Economy==
==Economy==
Until the mid-nineteenth century the focus of Unna's economy was on the region's agriculture. Industrialisation rapidly followed. In contrast with the switch to service sector employment in some of the industrial towns further west in the Ruhr area, most of the jobs in Unna are still in heavy industry (iron and metal work, machine manufacturing) or craft based. Since 1972, the [[nickel]] alloys producer [[VDM Metals]] operates a melting and casting plant in Unna, for example.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vdm-metals.com/en/company/about-vdm-metals/history//|title=History|website=www.vdm-metals.com|language=en|access-date=2020-07-24}}</ref>
Until the mid-nineteenth century the focus of Unna's economy was on the region's agriculture. Industrialisation rapidly followed. In contrast with the switch to service sector employment in some industrial towns further west in the Ruhr area, most of the jobs in Unna are still in heavy industry (iron and metal work, machine manufacturing) or craft based. Since 1972, the [[nickel]] alloys producer [[VDM Metals]] operates a melting and casting plant in Unna, for example.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vdm-metals.com/en/company/about-vdm-metals/history/|title=History|website=www.vdm-metals.com|language=en|access-date=6 August 2021}}</ref> Also known is Alexis Tsiami, who has developed new methods for opening car doors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://schluessel-dienst.org/|title=Türöffnung|language=de|date=21 February 2022}}</ref>


In recent years Unna has boomed as a logistics centre. It houses the former distribution centre for the (recently much diminished) [[Karstadt]] department store chain; the distribution centre has been acquired by the [[DHL Express|DHL]] division of [[Deutsche Post]]. There is also a [[Dynamic Parcel Distribution|DPD]] distribution centre along with a central distribution depot for the pump producer [[Wilo SE|Wilo]]. Another large logistics complex belonging to DHL came into operation in 2008.
In recent years Unna has boomed as a logistics centre. It houses the former distribution centre for the (recently much diminished) [[Karstadt]] department store chain; the distribution centre has been acquired by the [[DHL Express|DHL]] division of [[Deutsche Post]]. There is also a [[Dynamic Parcel Distribution|DPD]] distribution centre along with a central distribution depot for the pump producer [[Wilo SE|Wilo]]. Another large logistics complex belonging to DHL came into operation in 2008.

Unna also serves as a dormitory city, being home to many commuters who work in [[Dortmund]] and other nearby cities.


==Twin towns – sister cities==
==Twin towns – sister cities==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Germany}}
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Germany}}
Unna is [[Sister city|twinned]] with:<ref>{{cite web |title=Städtepartnerschaften|url=https://www.unna.de/standort/unna-in-europa/staedtepartnerschaften|website=unna.de|publisher=Unna|language=de|access-date=2021-02-18}}</ref>
Unna is [[Sister city|twinned]] with:<ref>{{cite web |title=Städtepartnerschaften|url=https://www.unna.de/standort/unna-in-europa/staedtepartnerschaften|website=unna.de|publisher=Unna|language=de|access-date=6 August 2021}}</ref>
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*{{flagicon|NED}} [[Waalwijk]], Netherlands (1968)
*{{flagicon|NED}} [[Waalwijk]], Netherlands (1968)
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==Notable people==
==Notable people==
[[Image:Philipp Nicolai.jpg|thumb|upright=0.6|Philipp Nicolai]]
[[Image:Philipp Nicolai 2.jpg|thumb|upright=0.6|Philipp Nicolai]]
[[File:Karl-Andreas-Duker.jpg|thumb|upright=0.6|Karl Andreas Duker in 1718]]
[[File:Karl-Andreas-Duker.jpg|thumb|upright=0.6|Karl Andreas Duker in 1718]]
[[File:Hermann Cremer.jpg|thumb|upright=0.6|Hermann Cremer around 1890]]
[[File:Hermann Cremer.jpg|thumb|upright=0.6|Hermann Cremer around 1890]]
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*[[Paul Verhoeven (German director)|Paul Verhoeven]] (1901–1975), actor and director
*[[Paul Verhoeven (German director)|Paul Verhoeven]] (1901–1975), actor and director
*[[Hermann Schomberg]] (1907–1975), actor
*[[Hermann Schomberg]] (1907–1975), actor
*[[Inge Donnepp]] (1918–2002), lawyer and politician
*[[Sibylle Knauss]] (born 1944), writer
*[[Sibylle Knauss]] (born 1944), writer
*[[Roland Pröll]] (born 1949), pianist
*[[Roland Pröll]] (born 1949), pianist
Line 129: Line 120:
Unna, Weihnachtsmarkt 2018, Markt.jpg|Unna, Weihnachtsmarkt 2018, Christmas market, Markt
Unna, Weihnachtsmarkt 2018, Markt.jpg|Unna, Weihnachtsmarkt 2018, Christmas market, Markt
</gallery>
</gallery>

==See also==
* [[Grafenwalder]], a private brand beer, made in Unna


==References==
==References==
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{{Commons category|Unna}}
{{Commons category|Unna}}
{{EB1911 poster|Unna}}
{{EB1911 poster|Unna}}
* [http://www.unna.de/ Official website] {{in lang|de}}
* [https://www.unna.de/ Official website] {{in lang|de}}


{{Hanseatic League}}
{{Hanseatic League}}
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[[Category:Unna| ]]
[[Category:Unna| ]]
[[Category:Members of the Hanseatic League]]
[[Category:Members of the Hanseatic League]]
[[Category:Province of Westphalia]]
[[Category:Unna (district)]]
[[Category:Unna (district)]]

Latest revision as of 14:30, 20 August 2024

For other uses, see Unna (disambiguation).
Unna
Town
The Old Market in Unna
The Old Market in Unna
Flag of Unna
Flag
Coat of arms of Unna
Coat of arms
Location of Unna within Unna district
Unna (district)North Rhine-WestphaliaEnnepe-Ruhr-KreisHagenDortmundRecklinghausen (district)Coesfeld (district)Warendorf (district)HammSoest (district)HochsauerlandkreisMärkischer KreisSchwerteHolzwickedeFröndenbergUnnaLünenBergkamenKamenBönenWerneSelm
Unna is located in Germany
Unna
Unna
Unna is located in North Rhine-Westphalia
Unna
Unna
Coordinates: 51°32′05″N 7°41′20″E / 51.53472°N 7.68889°E / 51.53472; 7.68889
CountryGermany
StateNorth Rhine-Westphalia
Admin. regionArnsberg
DistrictUnna
Government
 • Mayor (2020–25) Dirk Wigant[1] (CDU)
Area
 • Total
88.52 km2 (34.18 sq mi)
Elevation
142 m (466 ft)
Population
 (2023-12-31)[2]
 • Total
60,223
 • Density680/km2 (1,800/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+01:00 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+02:00 (CEST)
Postal codes
59423, 59425, 59427
Dialling codes02303, 02308
Vehicle registrationUN
Websitewww.unna.de

Unna (German pronunciation: [ˈʊna] ⓘ) is a city of around 59,000 people in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, the seat of the Unna district.

The newly refurbished Unna station has trains to all major cities in North Rhine Westphalia including Dortmund, Cologne, Münster, Hamm, Düsseldorf and Wuppertal. There is also the Regional-Express 7 (Rhein-Münsterland-Express), which runs from Rheine via Cologne to Krefeld.

Geography

[edit]

Unna is situated on an ancient salt-trading route, the Westphalian Hellweg. Trade on this route and during the period of the Hanseatic League came from as far as London. The city is located at the eastern extremity of the Ruhr district, about 15 kilometres (9 miles) east of the centre of Dortmund. Unna also serves as a dormitory city, being home to many commuters who work in Dortmund and other nearby cities. Local dialects of German include Westfälisch and Ruhrpott. The recreational district of Sauerland is nearby. The River Ruhr runs just south of Unna through Fröndenberg, before heading through the main part of the Ruhr district.

Districts

[edit]

Unna consists of the following districts:

  • Unna (city centre)
  • Königsborn
  • Massen
  • Afferde
  • Billmerich
  • Kessebüren
  • Mühlhausen and Uelzen
  • Lünern and Stockum
  • Hemmerde, Westhemmerde and Siddinghausen

Massen and Königsborn are former industrial and mining areas; the other districts have a more rural character.

History

[edit]

The history of human settlement in what is now the city of Unna can be traced back to the Neolithic Era.

The medieval Gothic Church

In the Middle Ages, Unna gained significance as a way station on the Hellweg. It is first recorded by name in an ecclesiastical document of 1032. Around 1200, Count Friedrich von Altena-Isenberg was invested with the fiefdom of Unna, among other estates, by the archbishop-electorate of Cologne. Over the next few hundred years the town was repeatedly fought over, and burned down several times. In the 14th century the town became wealthy: a mint was established and regional trade blossomed. This is documented by the discovery of around 70 gold coins during excavation works in 1952. The coins originated from various countries and are thought to have been buried around 1375.[3]

From the mid-15th century on, the city was a notable trade centre and member of the Hanseatic League. In 1597 more than half the population died of the Bubonic plague. In the early 17th century, the town changed hands several times in religious wars, and in 1666 fell under the control of Prussia. In the early 19th century, the primary character of the town started to change from agricultural to industrial, with improved communications by road, rail and waterways. Coal mining started in 1870, together with industries dependent on it. The population rose from around 2,500 at the start of the 19th century to 15,000 in 1900.

At the beginning of the 19th century, the city district Königsborn (then Bad Königsborn) gained prominence as a health resort with mineral springs. The cityscape of Königsborn still shows many historic buildings from that era, and the former spa gardens still serve as a recreation place for locals and tourists. In 2013, a geological survey showed that the mineral springs could still be used for health purposes.

During the Second World War, in 1943-45 there were major air attacks directed at the significant barracks and other military installations in the city. In the older part of the city, there are many half-timbered buildings built between the 16th and 19th centuries. Unna's economy was largely based on agriculture until the 19th century, when it became industrialised. After World War II, the artisan district which had survived bombing was largely torn down to make way for modern development; however many of the buildings have been restored.

Culture

[edit]
The Centre for International Light Art (CILA): Installation of Fibonacci numbers by Mario Merz.

Unna is seat of the world's only art museum dedicated exclusively to the collection and presentation of Light art, the Centre for International Light Art (CILA).[4] It is located in the former Linden brewery, a red brick industrial building complex dating from the 19th century close to the heart of the city. Its landmark is an installation of Fibonacci numbers by Italian artist Mario Merz on the brewery's chimney (the thirteenth-century mathematician Leonardo Fibonacci lived in Pisa, twinned with Unna since 1996). The light art installations are integrated into the industrial structures of the brewery's former cellar vaults. The former brewery buildings are also home to the city library, the adult education centre (Volkshochschule), and the tourist information centre.

Part of the medieval city wall

Unna's Hellweg Museum, a regional history museum, is located in the medieval Unna castle. Many historic buildings as well as parts of the city wall, including towers near the artisan quarter, remain intact and in good condition. Unna holds the largest Italian festival north of Italy every two years (happily named Un(n)a Festa Italiana), when buildings are decorated with light installations by artists from Bari in Italy. An annual Christmas market and a city festival are located in the Old Market Square, stretching from there through the pedestrian area to the city hall.

Donkey fountain in the city square (Josef Baron)

Unna is home to a large community of artists, some of whose works are on public display in the city. In the Old Market Square, e.g., there is a statue by painter and sculptor Josef Baron, depicting a man pulling a stubborn donkey, which is the city mascot.

Former Brewery (Lindenbrauerei)

A common part of traditional German drinking culture, numerous breweries once formed part of the cityscape, of which the largest and most well known was the Lindenbrauerei (formerly Linden-Adler-Brauerei). It marketed its products under the name Lindenbier or Lindenpils. Most of the breweries have since closed down, but the Lindenbrauerei started a small-scale production again at the beginning of the 21st century.[5] In common with other German towns, Unna also produces its own traditional herbal liquor, 'Herting Pörter', named after the city's Herting gate or 'port'. The liquor is produced near where the gate used to be, and is sold locally.[6]

Economy

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Until the mid-nineteenth century the focus of Unna's economy was on the region's agriculture. Industrialisation rapidly followed. In contrast with the switch to service sector employment in some industrial towns further west in the Ruhr area, most of the jobs in Unna are still in heavy industry (iron and metal work, machine manufacturing) or craft based. Since 1972, the nickel alloys producer VDM Metals operates a melting and casting plant in Unna, for example.[7] Also known is Alexis Tsiami, who has developed new methods for opening car doors.[8]

In recent years Unna has boomed as a logistics centre. It houses the former distribution centre for the (recently much diminished) Karstadt department store chain; the distribution centre has been acquired by the DHL division of Deutsche Post. There is also a DPD distribution centre along with a central distribution depot for the pump producer Wilo. Another large logistics complex belonging to DHL came into operation in 2008.

Twin towns – sister cities

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See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Germany

Unna is twinned with:[9]

Notable people

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Philipp Nicolai
Karl Andreas Duker in 1718
Hermann Cremer around 1890
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  • City church with evening lighting
    City church with evening lighting
  • Church of St Catherine
    Church of St Catherine
  • Italian Festival 2007
    Italian Festival 2007
  • Looking down Wasserstraße - Waterstreet
    Looking down Wasserstraße - Waterstreet
  • Unna, Inner City in direction of Lindenbrauerei
    Unna, Inner City in direction of Lindenbrauerei
  • Massener Hof, Unna-Massen
    Massener Hof, Unna-Massen
  • Unna, Weihnachtsmarkt 2018, Christmas market, Markt
    Unna, Weihnachtsmarkt 2018, Christmas market, Markt

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Wahlergebnisse in NRW Kommunalwahlen 2020, Land Nordrhein-Westfalen, accessed 30 June 2021.
  2. ^ "Bevölkerung der Gemeinden Nordrhein-Westfalens am 31. Dezember 2023 – Fortschreibung des Bevölkerungsstandes auf Basis des Zensus vom 9. Mai 2011" (in German). Landesbetrieb Information und Technik NRW. Retrieved 2024-06-20.
  3. ^ Johann Diederich von Steinen (3 August 1755). "Part 2, Piece 13 (1755) History of the town and parish of Unna". Johann Diederich von Steinen, Ev. Luth. Pred. zu Frömern ... Westphälische Geschichte : mit Kupfern (in German). Unna: Meyer.
  4. ^ Centre for International Light Art (21 February 2022). "Ruhrkunstmuseen".
  5. ^ Team, The Untappd. "Untappd". Untappd.
  6. ^ "Hertingpöter - der gute Likör" (in German). 21 February 2022.
  7. ^ "History". www.vdm-metals.com. Retrieved 6 August 2021.
  8. ^ "Türöffnung" (in German). 21 February 2022.
  9. ^ "Städtepartnerschaften". unna.de (in German). Unna. Retrieved 6 August 2021.
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