Wiesbaden’s history is more than 2000 years old and begins with the Romans. Wiesbaden has been the capital of the state of Hessen since 1945. It is situated on the northern bank of the Rhine River, below the confluence of the Main, where the Rhine’s main direction changes from north to west.
Wiesbaden is known as the city of SPA. At one time, there were 27 hot springs were flowing, 15 are still functioning. A spa culture developed, giving this Roman fortification its name, ‘Aquis Mattiacis’ i.e. the springs of the Mattiaci, a sub tribe of the ancient German Chatti. During the Nazi Socialist period, this spa town lost its splendour. Spa activities, an important economic factor in the city, practically closed down. Although the bombs dropped by planes during the Second World War left some traces, they did not destroy the city’s memorable character.
After 1945 the former world spa transformed itself into a very modern state capital, but Wiesbaden retained its special flair; nestled between the Rhein and the foothills of the Taunus Mountains, it is still a ‘green oasis.’ Due to its Mediterranean climate and the savoir-vivre of its residents, Wiesbaden has been called a ‘northern nice.’ Wiesbaden has a calendar of events that is full with many cultural and social highlights.
The US Army Airfield, which is located in Wiesbaden-Erbenheim, will be the new headquarters of the US Army in Europe. The US Army headquarters (now located in Heidelberg) will move from Heidelberg to Wiesbaden-Erbenheim at the end of 2012.
The last day meeting got over at 2.00 PM, after having our lunch we left directly for Wiesbaden for sightseeing.
In half day we tried to cover as much as possible.
Stadtschloss (Former Ducal Palace) : It Was built between 1837 and 1840 as a simple palace as a residence of the Dukes of Nassau . Since 1946 it has been the seat of the Hessian State Parliament.
Kurhaus (Opera House): It is one of the best tourist place in Weisbaden , located at the end of William street. It is the social center of the spa town of Wiesbaden and offers many events. It was Built in between 1904 and 1907.
Hessisches Staatstheater: It is Known as the state theater, built between 1892 and 1894 at the command of the Emperor, Wilhelm II. The theater has four stages Large house (1041 seats), small house (328 seats), Studio (89 seats)
Marktkirche: A Luthern church built between 1852 and 1862. Every Saturday at 11:30 AM there is an organ concert. Close by there is a large market on Saturdays and a smaller one on Wednesdays.
Museum: It has a collection of art, and natural science. Museum is closed on Monday & Open Tuesday to Sunday , 10.00 AM -4.00 PM
Wiesbaden Main railway station (Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof) : It is a terminal station at the southern edge of the city center and is served by over 500 long-distance and regional trains and used by 50,000 travelers each day.
After enjoying the sightseeing & shopping we walked down to Wiesbaden Railway station to catch the train for MAINZ. We had our dinner at an Indian restaurant in MAINZ and went straight away to our hotel, packed our baggage & luggage for the next day’s departure.
Don’t forget to purchase the speciality drink i.e. SPARKLING WINE.
Next day morning we took our breakfast , settled our bills & left for Frankfurt Airport. Flight was 45 minuets delay. We landed in India at 10.30 PM.
Moment I was out of the Airport , I felt a huge difference in temperature within 12 hours of the journey. It was a difference of 36 degree Celsius (-6 degree to 30 degree)
I hope all my Ghumakkar friends liked my experience of the trip of Germany & it could be helpful to my those friends who would be planning to visit Germany.
Mahesh ji,
Thank you for bringing Germany so close to us. Honestly, I didn’t know much about Wiesbaden, leave aside its rich history and cultural heritage.
I wish your write ups had gone on and on.
Please do keep on enriching us by your travel experiences.
Shall await your next post.
Dear Sir,
Thanks for your your appreciation & kind wishes. Ramji even I was not aware about the Wiesbaden’s history till I was there.
For next you don’t have to wait too long, may be in June last week or July first week. :-)
very nyc informative post Mahesh ji…Pics r also very nyc…!!!
Thanks Sahil for liking the post.
Short but specific write up.
Pictures are very Romanish.
What does last picture specify ?
Thanks for liking the post.
It was a simple sculpture (nothing specific) in a park outside the Wiesbaden Theater.
Hi Mahesh,
Your description of Wiesbaden really makes it a lucrative proposition. Pics are great, as always.
Anyway, that country remains on top of my list if I ever venture into Europe (and I have a capacity to take the decision on itinerary). I was curious to know that in second snap (thermal spring), the hazy screen – is that caused by steam of the spring?
Educating stuff.
Auro.
Dear Auro,
Thanks for your kind words.
Yes hazy screen is due to the steam & I don’t know, have you noticed the outer wall (in2nd pic) is not painted , its natural colour due to different type of minerals.
First thing, I have created a new sub-category called ‘Germany’ :-) and I have put that category to this post. Such rich stories about Germany and it was a shame to not even have a way to quickly find these stories. Corrected.
So much of history, so old-rich-worldish feel……inviting. My knowledge about Germany was zilch, many thanks for helping me grow.
And finally, I had the same questions as that of Abhishek.
Whats coming up in June last week, July first week ?
Dear Nandan,
Last but not least , I got comment from you. I am glad you have put in so much of effort to creat a new sub – category “GERMANY”.
Regarding the last Picture , It was a simple sculpture (nothing specific) in a park outside the Wiesbaden Theater.
You want me to disclose regarding my next post.:-)