city, Bavaria Land (state), southern Germany. It lies on the Eger River, northwest of Augsburg. A seat of the bishop of Regensburg in 898, it became a free imperial city in 1215. Several battles in the Thirty Years' War (17th century) and the French revolutionary wars (18th century) were fought outside the medieval walls that still surround the old city and that now draw many tourists. After World War II Nördlingen's population grew, as many refugees were resettled there. Industries include a number of firms in light manufacturing. Historic buildings include the late Gothic city hall, the church of St. George (1427–1505), and the church of St. Salvator (1381–1422). Nördlingen hosts the oldest horse race in Germany (its origins date to the 15th century). Pop. (2003 est.) 19,548.