Landshut

Historic town in Bavaria, Germany, on the River Isar, 61 km/38 mi northeast of Munich; population (2005 est) 61,400. Chocolate, beer, dyes, paints, and machinery are manufactured here.

In the 14th century Landshut was the seat of the dukes of Bavaria-Landshut. There are several Gothic and Renaissance churches, most notably St Martin's (1392–1432), which has remarkable brickwork. Other features include a 14th-century Rathaus (town hall) and the Burg Trausuitz (1568–78), a Renaissance palace.

Occupying a hill above the town, the palace was originally the site of a castle built by Duke Ludwig I in 1204 at the same time as the town. It remained the seat of the Wittelsbach dukes of Lower Bavaria until 1503.