Merzig


Merzig ; is the capital of the district Merzig-Wadern, in Saarland, Germany with about 30,000 inhabitants in 17 municipalities on 108 km². It is situated on the river Saar, approx. 35 km south of Trier, and 35 km northwest of Saarbrücken.

History

Evolution of the name

In addition to the above, the city was known under French rule as Mercy.

Municipalities

Merzig was created in 1974 as part of the territorial reform in Saarland. The present-day city consists of the previous town of Merzig and 16 surrounding municipalities. The population of the present city, including all outlying districts :
MunicipalityPopulation
Merzig10,934
Ballern1,189
Besseringen2,979
Bietzen968
Brotdorf3,733
Büdingen310
Fitten706
Harlingen565
Hilbringen2,569
Mechern834
Menningen635
Merchingen939
Mondorf768
Schwemlingen2,186
Silwingen387
Weiler350
Wellingen291
Total30,343

Culture and sights

Museums

Merzig is the birthplace of footballer Kevin Trapp and tennis player Benjamin Becker.

Musical Theatre

Since 2012 Merzig stages musicals for two months each year, starring famous German musical actors like Uwe Kröger. The venue is a huge marquee, called 'Zeltpalast'.