KREMS

also called Krems An Der Donau, city, Niedersterreich Bundesland (federal state), northeastern Austria, at the confluence of the Danube (Donau) and Krems rivers, northwest of Vienna. Mentioned in 995 as an imperial fortress, it was chartered in the 12th century, when it had a mint. Of its medieval fortifications, the Steiner Gate, the Pulverturm (Powder Tower), and the Gozzoburg remain. The adjacent towns of Stein an der Donau and Mautern (on the site of a Roman camp) were absorbed by Krems in 1938. Landmarks include the old Stadtburg (fortress; originally 13th century); the St. Veit parish church (restored 161630), one of Austria's oldest Baroque churches; and two Gothic churches in Stein. An old wine-producing town, Krems also has metal, textile, and chemical industries. Pop. (1991) 22,829.