LANDAU

in full Landau In Der Pfalz, city, Rhineland-Palatinate Land (state), southwestern Germany. It is picturesquely situated along the Queich River, at the slope of the Haardt Mountains. The settlement was first mentioned in 1106, and an Augustinian monastery was founded there in 1276. Landau became an imperial free town in 1291. It was occupied by the French (16801815) and granted to Bavaria in 1816. The city's Gothic Protestant church dates from 1333, St. Catherine's Chapel from 1344, and the church of the former monastery from 1405. Of the early fortifications, the Deutsches Tor remains, as do the ruins of a fortress built (168891) by Sbastien de Le Prestre Vauban, the French military engineer. The town is known for its zoo and spacious gardens and parks. Landau gave its name to the famous four-wheel town carriage (17th18th century) with a convertible top. The city's industries include iron founding and the manufacture of tobacco, shoes, furniture, and machinery. Cattle markets are held, and there is an important wine trade. Pop. (1989 est.) 36,297.