PASSAU

Passau, Ger., showing St. Paul's Church (left) and the cathedral (left centre) city, Bavaria Land (state), southeastern Germany, at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers, on the Austrian border. Originating as the Celtic settlement of Bojodurum, it was later the site of a Roman camp, Castra Batava, and was made an episcopal see in 739. The bishops became princes of the Holy Roman Empire in 1217 and ruled Passau until 1803, in spite of citizens' revolts for municipal freedom. Fires in 1662 and 1680 caused great damage, and subsequent rebuilding gave the town a Baroque character. It is dominated by the Oberhaus Fortress (1219), the site of a museum, and the cathedral (1668), which incorporates the remains of an earlier Gothic structure. The cathedral contains one of the largest church organs in the world, with 17,000 pipes (1928). The bishops' palace (171230) and numerous fine churches in varied styles recall the era of the prince-bishops. The Gothic town hall (12981389) has paintings depicting episodes in the town's past, including its association with the Nibelungen legends. The Niedernburg convent (founded 8th century) contains the tomb of Gisela, the first queen of Hungary. Passau was an important medieval trade and shipping centre. The Inn salt trade and the making of knife and sword blades were traditional occupations. It has become the economic, cultural, and communications centre of southeastern Bavaria. Passau has city and state libraries, a municipal theatre, and other cultural institutions. Industries include a bell foundry, brewing, and the manufacture of optical instruments, textiles, and tobacco. There is also a tourist trade and a steamer service to Vienna. Pop. (1989 est.) 49,137.