Regensburg was one of the leading cities in Europe throughout the Middle Ages. Its merchants engaged in long-distance trade across the continent, while the city also served as a political center: more than in other cities of the Empire, the German kings and emperors held assemblies here. Additionally, Regensburg was a hub of high finance. The medieval old town, with its numerous patrician towers and castles, monasteries, and churches, is still shaped by this history today. During the city's development, new influences were also adopted: for example, the Gothic cathedral received significant inspiration from Troyes in Champagne, and the famous Stone Bridge from the 12th century, which was considered the eighth wonder of the medieval world, is inconceivable without the model of Roman bridge constructions like the Angel Bridge in Rome.