Umkirch

Umkirch

Coat of arms
Umkirch

Coordinates: 48°01′58″N 07°45′49″E / 48.03278°N 7.76361°E / 48.03278; 7.76361Coordinates: 48°01′58″N 07°45′49″E / 48.03278°N 7.76361°E / 48.03278; 7.76361
Country Germany
State Baden-Württemberg
Admin. region Freiburg
District Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald
Government
 • Mayor Walter Laub
Area
 • Total 8.72 km2 (3.37 sq mi)
Population (2013-12-31)[1]
 • Total 5,240
 • Density 600/km2 (1,600/sq mi)
Time zone CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2)
Postal codes 79224
Dialling codes 07665
Vehicle registration FR
Website www.umkirch.de

Umkirch is a municipality in the district Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It is located around 5 kilometres west of Freiburg im Breisgau.

History

The settlement has existed since Roman times (about 100 BC) and was called Ecclesia in Undis (Church beneath the Waves - maybe because of the two small rivers floating passing through the village). Sigillat shrds and coins were found and the church was built onto a Roman building, as a part of its wall was found.

When the Romans left in sixth century, Allemanian clans settled in Umkirch, ruled by the Lords of Üsenberg, a noble family. After they were vanquished, the family of Kageneck ruled the area. In 1806, Umkirch became part of the district of Freiburg.

Historically, it is first mentioned in 1087 in a document about the exchange of the monastery St. Ulrich in the Hexental (Witches' Valley) between the Bishop of Basel, Burkard, and the Monastery of Cluny in France. A witness present at the deal is named as "Humbert de Untkilcha". In 1270, Umkirch is given to the knight Dietrich Snewlin, later to several others, among them Martin Malterer, the count palatines of Tübingen and Flora Countess of Wrbna, until it was given to Grand Duchess Stephanie of Baden.

Part of Umkirch is the village of Dachswangen: in 1924 it became part of the village.

On April 20, 1945, Umkirch was occupied by the French after World War II. It was administered by governor Pierre Pène. During World War I, Umkirch lost twenty-one citizens, during World War II, thirty citizens. Twelve others are recorded as missing in action.

Church

The first church in Umkirch was built by a Frankish magistrate, called Centenarius Elilant. He was also called "Hunde" (meaning leader of a hundred). Apparently this name was given to the village: Hundechilche, meaning "Hunde's Church". The church of Umkirch dates back to the second half of the eleventh century. It is one of the oldest churches in Breisgau. The church was mentioned first in a letter, dated April 14, 1139 from Pope Innocent II, to Basel.

Economy and infrastructure

Umkirch is a separate community; it has still maintained its village-like character. However, this idyll is influenced by the freeway which leads through 20.000 cars a day through the city, which create often traffic jams. One of the reasons is possibly the location of the industrial area just opposite the freeway connection. Also, the creation of high-riser restroyed much of the village atmosphere.

With the freeway, there exists a very good connection to the highway A5 and to Freiburg, whose city can be reached within fifteen minutes. A beltway has been built, leading the major part of the traffic around the village.

Politics

Mayors

Year denotes date when they first occupied office:

District Council

The local elections on June 13, 2004 resulted in the following seating:

CDU 45,1% -7,3 6 seats -2
UBU 33,2% +33,2 5 seats +5
SPD 21,7% -7,7 3 seats -1
others 0,0% -18,1 0 Sitze -2

Sister cities

References

  1. ↑ "Gemeinden in Deutschland mit Bevölkerung am 31. Dezember 2013 (Einwohnerzahlen auf Grundlage des Zensus 2011)". Statistisches Bundesamt (in German). 2014.
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External links

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