Helmstedt

Helmstedt is a city located at the eastern edge of the German state of Lower Saxony. It is the capital of the District of Helmstedt. Helmstedt has 26,000 inhabitants (2004).

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Helmstedt developed in the vicinity of a Benedictine monastery that was founded around 800 by Saint Liudger as a missionary station. Helmstedt was first mentioned in 952; it became a city in 1247. From 1576 to 1810, the University of Helmstedt was located there.

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From the late 1940s to 1990, the town was the site of a major border crossing between the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic. The main rail and autobahn route between West Germany and Berlin, across the GDR, began at Helmstedt. Official military traffic from NATO countries to West Berlin was allowed to use only this route.

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German: German may mean:...

Benedictine: A Benedictine is a person who follows the Rule of St Benedict. Such a person may live the Consecrated Life (that is, as a monk or nun according to Church Law) or not (for example, as an oblate). Benedictines are usually members of the Roman Catholic Church or one of the churches of the Anglican Com...

Saint Liudger: REDIRECTLudger...