The Fürth-Nürnberg line (the Ludwigsbahn; 1835) was the first railway in Germany, and Fürth now has a port on the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal. Formerly a center of the goldbeaters’ craft, it still produces gold leaf and beaten metals and aluminum and bronze powders. Other goods include electrical products and toys. Notable buildings in the city are the town hall (1840–50) and the 12th–14th-century St. Michael’s Church. Pop. (2003 est.) 111,892.

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