Ulm

Ulm, city in south-west Germany, in Baden-Württemberg, a port on the River Danube. Factories here produce textiles, electrical equipment, and processed food. Of architectural importance is the Gothic cathedral, begun in 1377 and completed in 1890, with a spire 161 m (528 ft) high, one of the tallest in the world. The area was settled by the Alamanni peoples in the 7th century. Founded by the 9th century, Ulm became a free imperial city of the Holy Roman Empire in 1154 and was the leader of the Swabian League from 1376 to 1534. Ulm was the scene of a battle in 1805 in which Napoleon defeated the Austrians. The city is the birthplace of Albert Einstein. During World War II the city was severely damaged by Allied bombing. Population 120,100 (2005 estimate).