Known as the automotive capital of Saxony, Zwickau has a rich history when it comes to being an industrial hub with companies such as Audi & Volkswagen establishing their centers at the beginning of the 20th century. As one of the earliest Germanised towns in the country, it was first settled by the Slavs as early as the 7th century A.D. Brilliant Gothic and Renaissance architecture grace the buildings here, especially churches and museum buildings that have withstood the test of time. Zwickau is most notable as the birthplace and residence of Robert Schumann, the classical German composer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers of the Romantic era.