Regensburg

Regensburg is a city in eastern Bavaria, Germany, located at the confluence of the Danube and Regen rivers. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the region, with roots in the Roman era and a long history as an important trading and religious center. In Latin sources it is known as Ratisbona and Castra Regina.

In 2006 Regensburg’s Old Town with Stadtamhof was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The designation recognizes the city’s well-preserved medieval core and its urban fabric that spans Roman, medieval, and early modern periods. Notable monuments include the Steinerne Brücke (Stone Bridge) across the Danube and the Roman Gate Porta Praetoria, among a dense collection of churches, guild houses, and historic streets.

Key landmarks in the old cityscape include Regensburg Cathedral (St. Peter), a Gothic-Romanesque church that dominates the skyline, the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) with its decorative interiors, and numerous towers and courtyards that illustrate the city’s architectural diversity. The historic town plan and street network preserve a sense of medieval urban life.

Regensburg is a university city, home to the University of Regensburg founded in 1962, and hosts industries in engineering, information technology and life sciences. The combination of a living urban center and a preserved historic core makes Regensburg a notable destination for education, culture and tourism.

As of the early 2020s, the population is around 150,000. The city is well connected by rail and road to other Bavarian centers and serves as a major stop for visitors exploring the Danube region.