Plauen

Town in the Land (administrative region) of Saxony, Germany, 68 km/42 mi southwest of Chemnitz; population (2001 est) 72,000. It is situated on the River Weisse Elster, at the foot of the Erzgebirge. Industries include steel, engineering, and textiles.

The first recorded mention of a settlement at Plauen was in 1122. In 1224 it was granted town status and in 1602 it became the capital of the Vogtland district. A railway was built in the town in 1848. Around 75% of the city was destroyed in World War II.

Features include the St Johannis (1122) church, which is one of the oldest churches in Vogtland and is considered a classic example of high-gothic architecture. The Nonnenturm tower is the last surviving part of the city's historical reinforcements and was built in about 1200. The Alte Elsterbruecke bridge dates back to 1244. The Luther Church, a Baroque building constructed between 1693 and 1722 has a winged altarpiece dating from 1490. Plauen is also home to the classically-styled Vogtland theatre (1898) which represents the cultural centre of the town. It was partially destroyed in the bombing in 1945. Museums include the Vogtlandmuseum, situated in three patrician houses built from 1787 to 1789, and the lace museum situated in the 13th century town hall.