Passau

Passau
Name	Passau
Type	Town
State	Bavaria
District	Urban district
Elevation	294
Area	69.58
Population	52869
Population as of	2022-12-31
Postal code	94032–94036
Area code	0851
Licence	PA
Website	www.passau.de
Mayor	Jürgen Dupper
Party	SPD

Passau. Passau is a historic city in Lower Bavaria, Germany, situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers, earning it the nickname "City of Three Rivers." Known for its well-preserved Baroque old town and as a major cultural and educational center in eastern Bavaria, it is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Passau and home to the University of Passau.

History

The site was originally a settlement of the Celts before becoming a Roman military outpost around 80 AD, known as Castra Batava. In the 8th century, it became the seat of a prince-bishop, with the Prince-Bishopric of Passau established as a powerful ecclesiastical state within the Holy Roman Empire. The city was a significant center for the salt trade and a hub on the Via Danubia. It suffered devastating fires in 1662 and 1680, leading to a comprehensive Baroque reconstruction under architects like Carlo Lurago. Passau's independence ended with the German mediatization in 1803, after which it was annexed by the Electorate of Bavaria. In the 20th century, it was the site of the Passau Agreement in 1952, which helped shape Bavarian politics, and it suffered damage during World War II.

Geography

Passau is uniquely located at the Dreiflüsseeck, the point where the Danube, the Inn, and the Ilz rivers converge. The city lies in the Bavarian Forest region near the border with Austria, with the Innstadt district situated on the south bank of the Inn. Its topography is characterized by steep hills, including the St. Georgsberg, and the urban area extends into the narrow river valleys. The confluence creates a striking visual effect where the waters of the three rivers, often differing in color, flow together without immediately mixing.

Main sights

The city's skyline is dominated by the St. Stephen's Cathedral, home to the world's largest cathedral organ. The Old town features the Veste Oberhaus, a 13th-century fortress housing a museum, and the New Residence of the prince-bishops. Notable religious buildings include the Michaelskirche and the Mariä Himmelfahrt parish church. The Town Hall with its large painted facade and the Dreiflüsseeck viewpoint are major landmarks. The Glass Museum and the Museum of Modern Art are key cultural institutions.

Economy

The local economy is driven by tourism, education, and technology. The presence of the University of Passau and other institutions fosters a strong knowledge sector, with companies in software development and information technology. Tourism is a major industry, centered on the city's cultural heritage and river cruise ship traffic on the Danube. Traditional industries include brewing, with the Peschl Bräu brewery, and small-scale manufacturing. The city also serves as a regional retail and service center for the surrounding Bavarian Forest area.

Culture

Passau hosts several notable festivals, including the European Weeks music festival and the Fünfseenfest. The University of Passau contributes significantly to the cultural scene with lectures, concerts, and exhibitions. The city has a rich musical tradition, heavily influenced by its cathedral and the works of composers like Max Reger. It is also known for its Christmas market and as a center for glass painting and other traditional crafts. The Nibelungenhalle is a key venue for larger cultural events.

Transport

Passau is a major transport node, with the Bundesautobahn 3 and federal highways B 8 and B 85 providing road connections. The city's main railway station is on the Regensburg–Passau and Munich–Passau lines, offering direct services to cities like Munich, Vienna, and Frankfurt. The port on the Danube is an important hub for both cargo and passenger cruise ship traffic, part of the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal system. Local public transport is managed by Stadtwerke Passau, operating a network of buses.

Category:Passau Category:Towns in Bavaria Category:Urban districts of Bavaria