Marburg

A center for Gothic and Renaissance architecture

Marburg

A center for Gothic and Renaissance architecture

Situated in the state of Hesse in the center-west of Germany, Marburg is an old university town founded around 1140.

Because the city was neglected during the eighteenth century, it has retained a large amount of the architecture of that period, which gives the city an untouched Gothic and Renaissance feel. The town is dominated by the University of Marburg, which was founded in 1527.

More about Marburg

76,000

Population

25,000

Students

Universities

1140

Foundation Year

The university, with the full name of the Philipps University of Marburg, has around 25,000 students and 7,500 employees, meaning that those who attend or work there make up more than a third of the town’s 76,000-strong population. The town was founded because it sat at the crossroads between two medieval highways, one from Cologne to Prague and another from the North Sea to Italy.

Studying and Working in Marburg

The University of Marburg has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. It is home to a traditional medical faculty, and is most well known for its research into life sciences. However, it also has a well-regarded center for research into the Near and Middle East.

University life is varied with a strong network of student fraternities and a comparatively diverse student body – 12% of students are international, which is the highest level in the state of Hesse. The town’s economy is dominated by the university, which provides jobs both for academics and customers for the cafés, bars and restaurants of the town.