Zwickau

Zwickau, a picturesque city of Saxony, irregularly built in its older portions, in a pleasant valley on the left bank of the Mulde, 82 miles by rail SW. of Dresden. Of its churches the most noteworthy is the Gothic Marienkirche, which dates from 1451, was restored in 1839-42, and has a tower 285 feet high. The old castle has been converted into a prison. The town carries on many manufactures; but the chief source of its wealth is the rich beds of coal in the surrounding district, which employ 8000 miners. Pop. (1890) 43,941.—For the Prophets of Zwickau, see ANABAPTISTS.