Miltenberg is a district in Bavaria, Germany. It is bounded by (from the north and clockwise) the city of Aschaffenburg, the districts of Aschaffenburg and Main-Spessart, and the states of Baden-Württemberg (districts of Main-Tauber and Neckar-Odenwald) and Hesse (district of Odenwaldkreis).

History

During the Middle Ages there was continuous fight between the bishops of Mainz and the counts of Rieneck. Both attempted to rule the region and erected castles in the Spessart mountains. Later other tiny counties became involved in these fights as well.

During the 13th century the cities along the Main River emerged. Due to the trade on the river their wealth grew, and this became a very prosperous region. Prosperity ended abruptly in the Thirty Years' War, when the area was devastated and depopulated.

In 1803 the clerical states of Germany were dissolved, among them the bishopric principality of Mainz. Until 1816 the state of Bavaria managed to annex the entire region.

The district of Miltenberg was established in 1972 by merging the former districts of Miltenberg and Obernburg.

Geography

The district is located in a mountainous area on both banks of the Main River. On the western bank the Odenwald mountains are rising, and on the eastern bank there is the Spessart range.

Coat of arms

The coat of arms displays: the blue and white checked pattern of Bavaria a silver wheel, symbolising the city of Mainz a wavy line, symbolising the Main River the jagged sign of Würzburg

Towns and municipalities

External links

• Official website (German)