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A GREEN
TOWN AT THE FOOT OF THE "SCHWÄBISCHER ALB"
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Not far from Stuttgart,
in the Erm valley at the foot of the "Schwäbischer Alb" (Schwabish mountains)
is located Metzingen. More than 21,000 inhabitants live in this middle sized
economic an cultural centre. Former town of the Württemberg, Metzingen was given
by king Wilhelm I, the title of borough and became first town of the of county
on 1st, October 1990.
A PICTURESQUE
REGION
The whole region
of METZINGEN is a haven of peace and offers historic and architectural
treasures. Historic monuments are the witnesses of the important moments
of the region's past. Perfectly preserved, they tell us about what
life was like in Metzingen.
Opposite :
St Martin's church, characterised by its original bell tower, was
built under the Renaissance.
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The seven wine
press houses
The seven wine
press houses, in the middle of the town, symbolise the local tradition
of wine growing which has developed since the 17th century .
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The architectural
character of the town joins together timbered houses and modern constructions
that perfectly match the landscape. For example the new town hall joins
the former building in a perfect harmony.
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A DYNAMIC REGION
The economic
dynamism of the town is based on its commercial and industrial activities
such as textile and leather industries and mechanical constructions
that are in constant progress. Called the "Mecca of factory sales" Metzingen
both has traditional productions such as tanning, cloth manufacturing
or dyeing and the most modern industrial productions that project the
town into the future. The famous factory "Hugo Boss" is the best example.
The sunny slopes and the fertile ground of the region is favourable
to wine growing. The Metzingen wine whose quality is excellent has been
produced for centuries and is today, the most significant and economic
resource for the population.
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The sunny
slopes and the fertile ground of the region is favourable to wine growing.
The Metzingen wine whose quality is excellent has been produced for
centuries and is today, the most significant and economic resource for
the population.
Every
year many well known trade fairs attract a lot of people to Metzingen.
- The Christmas market - The Commercial and Industrial trade fair -
The Traditional Regional Fair for Handicrafts (on Whit Sunday.) These
trade fairs are always very successful both with exhibitors and visitors.
The traditions of good cooking (Schwabish cuisine) and traditional dances
show that M. is a very cheerful town. During the three last weeks of
September the festival of the Seven Press Houses marks the end of wine
harvest time. During these festivities high quality wine from the "Weinberg"
and "Hofbühl" vineyards can be tasted.
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THE
TRIANGLE TWINNING
Metzingen has three european partners : Noyon, Hexham and Ngykàllo
in Hungaria. The twinning between Noyon and Metzingen began in Mai
1979 after school exchanges. The ties of friendschip between Noyon
and Metzingen as well with Hexham are constantly developing for 20
years.
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HOW
DOES THE TWINNING WORK?
Every other
year an "official" delegation led by the Mayor and the President of the twinning
committee, pays a visit to its partner town. In order to open the trip to any
visitor, the travelling expenses are limited to half the real price (about 25£).
The maximum number of travellers is 50. Families usually accommodate them. Moreover
local clubs and associations can organise private exchanges. The twinning committee
can give them financial help. As a rule, the twinning committee does its best
to promote friendly exchanges between the two towns. So have things been going
on for 20 years.
Monique Silvert
Chairwoman of the twinning committee Noyon-Metzingen.
More
about Metzingen :
http://www.metzingen.de/stadt/index_stadtportrait.html
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