Umkirch

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Umkirch


Country	Germany
State	Baden-Württemberg
Administrative region	Freiburg
District	Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald
Population	5271 (30. June 2005)
Area	8.2 km²
Population density	602 /km²
Elevation	894 m
Coordinates	48°02′ N 07°46′ E
Postal code	79224
Area code	07665
Licence plate code	FR
Mayor	Walter Laub
Website	Umkirch.de

Umkirch is a municipality in the district Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It is located around 5 kilometres west of Freiburg im Breisgau.

1 History
2 Church
3 Economy and Infrastructure
4 Politics
5 References
6 External links

[edit] History

The settlement exists since Roman times (about 100 BC) and was called Ecclesia in Undis (Church beneath the Waves - maybe because of the two small rivers floating passing through the village). Sigillat shards and coins were found and the church was built onto a Roman building, as a part of its wall was found.

When the Romans left in sixth century, Allemanian clans settled in Umkirch, ruled by the Lords of Üsenberg, a noble family. After they vanquished, the family of Kageneck ruled the area. In 1806, Umkirch became part of the district of Freiburg.

Historically, it is first mentioned in 1087 in a document about the exchange of the monastery St. Ulrich in the Hexental (Witches' Valley) between the Bishop of Basel, Burkard, and the Monastery of Cluny in France. A witness, present at the deal his named "Humbert de Untkilcha". In 1270, Umkirch is given to the knight Dietrich Snewlin, later to several others, among them Martin Malterer, the count palatines of Tübingen and Flora Countess of Wrbna, until it was given to Grand Duchess Stephanie of Baden.

Part of Umkirch is the village of Dachswangen: in 1924 it became part of the village.

On April 20 1945, Umkirch gets occupied by the French after World War II. It is administered by governor Pierre Pène. During World War I, Umkirch lost twenty one citizens, during World War II, thirty citezens. Twelve others are missing in war.

[edit] Church

The first church in Umkirch was built by a Frankish magistrate, called Centenarius Elilant. He was also called "Hunde" (meaning dog). Appearantly this name was given to the village: Hundechilche, meaning "Dog's Church". The church of Umkirch dates back into the second half of the 11. century. It is one of the oldest churches in Breisgau. The church was mentioned first in a letter, dated April 14, 1139 from Pope Innocent II, to Basel.

[edit] Economy and Infrastructure

Umkirch is a separate community; it has still maintained its village-like character. However, this idyll is influenced by the freeway which leads through 20.000 cars a day through the city, which create often traffic jams. One of the reasons is possibly the location of the industrial area just opposite the freeway connection. Also, the creation of high-riser restroyed much of the village atmosphere.

With the freeway, there exists a very good connection to the highway A5 and to Freiburg, whose city can be reached within fifteen minutes. Considering the traffic problem: there have been plans for a beltway, but the lack of money have put a stop to the construction works.

[edit] Politics

[edit] Mayors

Year denotes date when they first occupied office:

2002 Walter Laub
1986 Ulrich Greschkovitz
1959 Franz Heitzler
1946 Serafin Frieder
1946 Franz Spiegelhalter
1945 Anton Hirzle
1941 Serafin Risch
1935 Theodor Knoll
1920 Wilhelm Hirzle
1900 Johann Kirner
1870 Franz Xaver Spiegelhalter
1862 Josef Hercher
1859 Mathias Hirzle
1832 Johann Schweitzer/Schweizer

[edit] District Council

The local elections on June 13 2004 resulted in the following seating:

CDU	45,1%	-7,3	6 seats	-2
UBU	33,2%	+33,2	5 seats	+5
SPD	21,7%	-7,7	3 seats	-1
others	0,0%	-18,1	0 Sitze	-2

[edit] Städtepartnerschaften

Bruges (Frankreich), seit 1989.

[edit] Sister cities

Bruges, France, France, since 1989

[edit] References

Kremp, Vinzenz: Geschichte des Dorfes Umkirch, in 2 Halbbänden 1981 und 1984
Kremp, Vinzent: Heimat und Bild: Umkirch: Ein Streifzug durch Geschichte und Gegenwart, Schönbergverleg