SCHWERTE

'Schwerte' is a town in the district of Unna, in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

Contents

Geography

Division of the town

Twin towns

History

Architecture

Economy

External links

Geography

Schwerte is situated in the Ruhr valley, at the south-east border of the Ruhr Area. South of Schwerte begins the mountainous Sauerland region.

Division of the town

After the local government reforms of 1975 Schwerte consists of the following districts:

★ Schwerte

★ Westhofen

★ Ergste

★ Geisecke

★ Villigst

★ Wandhofen

Twin towns

★ Allouagne (France) -- since 1974, partnership transferred from Ergste

★ Béthune (France)

★ Cava de' Tirreni (Italy) -- since 1984

★ Hastings (United Kingdom)

★ Labussière (France) -- partnership transferred from Westhofen

★ Leppävirta (Finland) -- since 1992

★ Pjatigorsk (Russia)

★ Nowy Sącz (Poland) -- since 1984

★ Violaines (France) -- partnership transferred from Wandhofen

History

Schwerte received civic rights in the 12th century.

Architecture

The Romanesque church of St. Victor has a carved altar of 1523, and stained glass of the 14th and 15th centuries. Schwerte has also a 16th-century town hall.

Economy

Today, there are some industries left, which are confined to the manufacture of iron and steel goods.

External links

★ Official site