free city (of Germany)
Historical term for a self-governing city in the Holy Roman Empire, such as the Free Imperial Cities.
The free cities of medieval Germany had autonomy directly under the emperor.
Refers to a self-governing town or city in medieval Europe, especially in Italy and France, often called a commune. Related term: 自治都市.
See also: 自治都市
The communes of medieval Europe were self-governing bodies independent of feudal lords.
自治都市 is a broader term for any self-governing city, while 自由都市 specifically refers to historical free cities or communes in Europe.
Compound of 自由 (freedom) and 都市 (city), likely a calque from European languages such as German 'Freie Stadt' or English 'free city'.