Esslingen am Neckar, Medieval township in Stuttgart Region, Germany
Esslingen am Neckar is a township in the Stuttgart Region of Germany, lying along both banks of the river. The old town features more than 200 half-timbered houses from different centuries, standing between narrow lanes and small squares.
The town received its charter in 1229 under Emperor Frederick II and remained a Free Imperial City until 1802. The transfer to Württemberg ended centuries of independence.
The name derives from the Neckar River, which has shaped settlement and trade routes through this valley for centuries. Half-timbered houses display the craftsmanship of different building traditions, each era leaving its mark on the streetscape.
Stuttgart Airport lies 14 kilometers away, with frequent S-Bahn trains connecting the main station to Stuttgart. The old town is best explored on foot, as many areas are traffic-calmed.
The local university draws international students for mechanical and automotive engineering programs. Its research projects often collaborate with manufacturers from the region.
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