Coburg

Coburg ( KOH-burg, German: [ˈkoːbʊʁk] ) is a city located on the River Itz in the Upper Franconia region of Bavaria, Germany. Long part of one of the Thuringian states of the Wettin line, it joined Bavaria by popular vote only in 1920. Until the revolution of 1918, it was one of the capitals of the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha and the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld. Through successful dynastic policies, the ruling princely family married into several of the royal families of Europe, most notably in the person of Prince Albert, who married Queen Victoria in 1840. As a result of these close links with the royal houses of Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Coburg was frequently visited by the crowned heads of Europe and their families. Coburg is the location of Veste Coburg, one of Germany's largest castles. Today, Coburg's population is close to 41,500. Since it was not damaged much in World War II, Coburg retains many historic buildings, making it a popular tourist destination.