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Situated between the southern foothills of the Taunus Mountains and River Rhine,
Wiesbaden experiences Mediterranean climate in the warm air corridor of the Rhine
valley. For many people it is a great place to live. Dubbed the ‘Nice of the North’
it promises a less hectic pace of life surrounded by beautiful parks and gardens
besides relaxation centres.
Wiesbaden is the capital of Hesse state. In the early part of the 20th century,
there were more millionaires here than any other cities in Germany. It has been
famous for its thermal springs and spas since the end of the middle ages - their
existence were documented by the Romans as early as 121 AD. Gambling business followed
the bathing business and the city also became well-known for its casinos. It attracted
many well known personalities till present day.
Magnificent buildings of the past especially those of the medieval period are mainly
concentrated in the historic pentagon – the Palace Square in the heart of the city.
Other classic buildings, parks and fashionable streets are also within the vicinity
of the area.
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The Hessian State Theatre – Hessisches Staatstheater
with the monument of poet Schiller (in white) faces the beautiful Warmer Damm (Park)
nearby. It was built by two Viennese architects between 1892-1894. With later additions,
it has a combination of Baroque and Rococo styles. Its main auditorium has a capacity
of 1041 seats.
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Warmer Damm is the ‘green oasis’ of 4.5 hectares in the middle of the city. This
landscape park created between 1859-1860 has a pond in the centre which is a haven
for aquatic birds. Both fauna and surrounding flora flourish the whole year round
benefiting from the natural thermal effect in the area. The sculpture is themed
‘leben’ (life).
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Outstanding landmark - the Lutheran Marktkirche or Market Church in Palace (or Market)
Square was built by architect Carl Boos between 1852 and 1862 as a Gothic revival
basilica. The western tower measures 92 m. high making the church the tallest building
in the city. It was also the first brick building in the Duchy of Nassau.
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Commemorating Duke Wilheim I or William the Silent
and Prince of Orange (1533-1584) outside Market Church. Born in Nassau (in present
day Germany) he was raised a Lutheran. He became Prince of Orange (in Netherlands)
through inheritance and led Dutch rebellions against Spanish rule and their persecution
of Protestants.
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The new City Hall – Rathaus, also in Palace Square
(Schlossplatz) was built between 1884-1887 according to plans by Georg von Hauberrisser.
Its original neo-Renaissance façade was modified to the current simpler one upon
restoration. It was damaged by bombings during the 2nd World War.
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The Marktsaule – an ornamental pillar in the vicinity
of Dern’she Gelande, a generous plaza with an underground carpark and historic Market
Hall. Much of the area in Palace or Market Square (old name) is still being used
for open-air markets and exhibitions regularly - two famous ones are the Rheingau
Wine Festival and Twinkling Star Market.
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The Marktbrunnen – Market Fountain between the old Town Hall and Palace (now State
Parliament) and near Market Street. This fountain was designed by J. Barger in 1752
and relocated here in 1767 apparently to replace one destroyed during the Thirty-Years’
War. The older was built in 1537.
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The Stadtschloss – Palace was built in Late classical style as a simple city palace
for Wilhelm, Duke of Nassau in 1840. It was a popular residence for the Prussian
royals and German emperor’s families. After World War II, it was converted to the
present state parliament building - Hessian Landtag upon formation of the state
in 1946.
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The Altes Rathaus - Old Town Hall was built in 1610 and is the oldest surviving
building in Wiesbadan. The half-timber top floor with curved gables was replaced
by a stone structure in 1829. It is now used as a Registry Office for births, marriages
and deaths.
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The modernised and fashionable side of the Pedestrian
Zone in the Palace Square area.
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Wilheimstrasse or William Street is one of the streets that now borders the Old
Town or Altstadt instead of a city wall. It promises elegant malls, chic food and
beverage outlets and all the latest in fashion and lifestyle. Towards the right
side are Warmer Damm (Park) and Hessian state theatre.
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The Hauptbahnhof - Main Railway Station was designed
to impress. Built in red sandstone with a 40 m tall clock tower with a pavilion
and originally an imperial hall, it was also engineered to reduce noise level of
passing trains for the comfort of spa guests. It was inaugurated in 1906 by Kaiser
Wilheim II, a regular spa guest who also supervised the construction.
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Fasanerie - zoo and botanical garden also offers picnicking facilities and children’s
playground besides proximity to native wildlife and plants. Situated just outside
the city, it was formerly a peasant hunting lodge established in 1745. The city
bought and turned it into a park of its current kind in 1955.
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