Markgröningen

Town hall

Coat of arms

Markgröningen

Coordinates: 48°54′17″N 9°4′51″E / 48.90472°N 9.08083°ECoordinates: 48°54′17″N 9°4′51″E / 48.90472°N 9.08083°E

Country

Government

• Mayor

Rudolf Kürner

Area

• Total

28.16 km² (10.87 sq mi)

Population (2015-12-31)

• Total

14,555

• Density

520/km² (1,300/sq mi)

Time zone

CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2)

Postal codes

71706

Dialling codes

Markgröningen: 07145 Unterriexingen: 07147

Vehicle registration

Website

www.markgroeningen.de

Markgröningen is a town in the district (Kreis) of Ludwigsburg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It is known for its fine historic buildings, many in the Fachwerk German architectural style, and its annual Shepherds' Run. Markgröningen is on the Deutsche Fachwerkstraße (German Timber-Frame Road).

Markgröningen is in the Strohgäu, on the River Glems, about 15 km northwest of Stuttgart and 10 km west of Ludwigsburg.

In addition to Markgröningen itself, the town now includes the following formerly independent settlements:

Markgröningen (or simply “Gröningen,” as some older residents may call it) is first mentioned in 779 in a deed of gift to the Monastery of Fulda, as Gruoninga. Mark was added to the name later to indicate its position in the "march" or border area between Frankish and Alemannic territory.

Around 1243 the settlement of Markgröningen was raised to the status of town. It was a fief of the Holy Roman Emperor, responsible for guarding two important travel routes. In 1229, the town briefly became a free imperial city. As a result, it has the Imperial eagle on its arms; the blue bar with gold stars was added in the mid-16th century as a distinguishing mark. However, in 1336, the House of Württemberg acquired the town and made it a seat of government. Later, during the temporary division of Württemberg between 1441 and 1482, it was a primary seat.

Of considerable importance to Markgröningen, the Spital (pilgrims' hostelry), a foundation of the Order of the Holy Spirit, was consecrated in 1297. The order began construction of the present Church of the Holy Spirit around 1300. By 1354, the town had a Latin school, by 1429 a bathhouse. These three were hallmarks of superiority in a medieval town.

...
Wikipedia