Markgröningen
Markgröningen is a town in the district (Kreis) of Ludwigsburg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It is known for its fine historic buildings, many in the Fachwerk German architectural style, and its annual Shepherds' Run. Markgröningen is on the Deutsche Fachwerkstraße (German Timber-Frame Road). Geography Markgröningen is in the Strohgäu, on the River Glems, about 15 km northwest of Stuttgart and 10 km west of Ludwigsburg. Constituent communities In addition to Markgröningen itself, the town now includes the following formerly independent settlements: Talhausen, a hamlet on the Glems abandoned in the 17th century and resettled around 1790 Unterriexingen, a town at the confluence of the Glems and the Enz, incorporated into Markgröningen in 1973 Hardthof and Schönbühlhof, founded as agricultural hamlets in the 18th century on the border with Schwieberdingen History Markgröningen (or simply “Gröningen,” as some older residents may call it) is first mentioned in 779 in a deed of gift to the Monastery of Fulda, as Gruoninga. Mark was added to the name later to indicate its position in the "march" or border area between Frankish and Alemannic territory. Around 1243 the settlement of Markgröningen was raised to the status of town. It was a fief of the Holy Roman Emperor, responsible for guarding two important travel routes. In 1229, the town briefly became a free imperial city. As a result, it has the Imperial eagle on its arms; the blue bar with gold stars was added in the mid-16th century as a distinguishing mark. However, in 1336, the House of Württemberg acquired the town and made it a seat of government. Later, during the temporary division of Württemberg between 1441 and 1482, it was a primary seat. Of considerable importance to Markgröningen, the Spital (pilgrims' hostelry), a foundation of the Order of the Holy Spirit, was consecrated in 1297. The order began construction of the present Church of the Holy Spirit around 1300. By 1354, the town had a Latin school, by 1429 a bathhouse. These three were hallmarks of superiority in a medieval town. Markgröningen experienced its greatest flowering in the second half of the 15th century. Numerous buildings that shape the look of the town today originate from that period, such as the “Ratstüble” restaurant – built in 1414 – and the "Crown" hotel – built in 1428. These two buildings stand on either side of the gothic Fachwerk Town Hall (Rathaus), established in 1441. After the Reformation, the possessions of the Order of the Holy Spirit were taken over by the lord of the manor and the Spital has been run by the town since 1552. Collection of harvest produce against future famine in the Fachwerk storehouse, (Fruchtkasten), continued, and merchants built Renaissance houses. Like many places in Germany, Markgröningen suffered during the Thirty Years' War; the nearby town of Asperg was largely destroyed in a siege. Then in the 18th century the town lost its political importance and much of its outlying possessions to the newly founded city of Ludwigsburg, and went into decline. With no