Named for the attractive, medieval, walled city located in the heart of the Ries {see planet  (4327)} Basin, site of an impact crater formed by a comet or a minor planet 15 million years ago. Nördlingen is the central town of the Danube-Ries district of the Bavarian region of Swabia {see planet  (6209)}. The first records of this city date back to A.D. 750–800, and its position on important trade routes allowed it to develop into a market town and cultural center. Its St. Georges Cathedral is the largest building ever constructed from suevite, the local stone created by the impact. (M 29670) _ _.