Bayreuth

Bayreuth, city in central southern Germany, Bavaria, on the Red Main River. The principal industries of the city are brewing, distilling, and the manufacture of machinery, textiles, chemicals, and pianos. From the 13th to the late 18th century it was a possession of the Hohenzollern family. Historic buildings in the town include the old palace, the new palace (containing an art gallery), and the town hall. Also here are the Villa Wahnfried, home of the German composer Richard Wagner, who is buried here, and the opera house he designed for the performance of his own works (the Festspielhaus, 1876), now the venue for an annual festival of Wagner's operas. Bayreuth was also the home of the German writer Johann Paul Richter. He and the Hungarian composer Franz Liszt are buried in the Central Cemetery. Population 74,500 (2005 estimate).