PFORZHEIM

city, Baden-Wrttemberg Land (state), southwestern Germany, on the northern edge of the Black Forest (Schwarzwald), where the Nagold and Wrm rivers join the Enz, on the French border. Originally the site of a Roman settlement (Porta Hercyniae), it was chartered c. 1195. The city was at times the residence of the margraves of Baden-Baden and Baden-Durlach. The Humanist Johann Reuchlin was born there (1455), and its medieval Latin school was famous. The city was sacked during the Thirty Years' War (1618-48) and the War of the Grand Alliance (1689-97) and was virtually destroyed during World War II. It has been rebuilt with broad thoroughfares and open spaces along the rivers. Notable buildings include the castle-church of St. Michael (13th-15th century), the Franciscan Barfsserkirche ("church of barefoot friars"; 13th century), and the modern Reuchlin House (containing both history and jewelry museums). Pforzheim has been the centre of the German jewelry and watch industry since the 18th century and has schools for precious metalworking and watchmaking. Other manufactures include machinery, electrical equipment, and paper. Pop. (1994 est.) 117,450.