Kempten, Urban center in Bavaria, Germany
Kempten is an administrative center and urban district in Swabia, Bavaria, extending along both banks of the Iller River. The old town combines restored townhouses with broad squares and several stone bridges linking the riverfront to surrounding residential quarters.
Romans founded Cambodunum in 15 BC as a military post, making this site the earliest documented urban foundation on present-day German territory. Until 1819 the settlement existed as two separate communities: a Protestant free imperial city and a Catholic prince-abbey with independent administrations.
The basilica ceiling shows scenes from the life of Saint Lawrence, while the former residence now serves as administrative offices with its baroque rooms open during guided visits. The division between Protestant civic areas and Catholic monastery districts still shapes the street layout and arrangement of public spaces throughout town.
Regional trains run regularly to Munich and take about two hours, while city buses also serve trailheads for hikes in the Allgäu mountains. The town center is easily explored on foot, as most points of interest lie within a compact area around the residence and basilica.
Archaeological excavations beneath modern street level expose remains of Roman baths and forum structures, giving visitors a direct look at life in the ancient garrison. A scale model of Cambodunum shows the original layout with its grid of streets and public buildings in stone.
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