BERNKASTEL-KUES

city, Rhineland-Palatinate Land (state), western Germany. It lies along the Moselle (Mosel) River, northeast of Trier. Formerly two separate towns, Bernkastel lies on the river's right bank and Kues on the left. Bernkastel belonged to the electors of Trier from 1280 and was chartered in 1291. The ruined electoral fortress of Landshut is nearby, and the Renaissance city hall (1608) is notable. Kues was the birthplace (1401) of Nicholas of Cusa (Nicolaus Cusanus), and the hospital that he founded (1447) still stands. Bernkastel-Kues is noted for Moselle wine and champagne (Sekt). Pop. (1992 est.) 7,026.