Gera
[key], city, Thuringia, E Germany, on the White Elster River. It is an
industrial center and a rail and road junction. Manufactures include
textiles, metal products, machinery, and furniture. Gera was chartered in
the early 13th cent. and was badly damaged by several fires in the 17th and
18th cent. It was the capital of the former principality of Reuss (Younger
Line) from 1806 to 1918. It suffered heavy damage in World War II, after
which a new city center was built. Noteworthy buildings of the city include
Osterstein Palace (built 1686–1735) and the city hall (18th
cent.).
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