An excursion through Wiesbaden

The most picturesque of Wiesbaden’s sights lie within walking distance from Rhein-Main-Hallen.The former "spa-city" invites you to an active recreation with its thermal spas and the Kaiser-Friedrich hot springs.

Traces of the dynamic history of Wiesbaden can be felt even today, from the time of the Romans, through its glory as spa city of the world, to its current status as regional capital. Spared much destruction during the Second World War, this “Nice of the North” is resplendent even today with historic buildings, labyrinthine streets in the old city and the hot springs conducive to health.

Just the place for a stroll: in Wiesbaden, you will experience the confluence of several different European architectural styles and discover buildings that are historical works of art. The Alte Rathaus, built in 1610, is the oldest building in Wiesbaden. The wooden upper stories with sweeping gables were replaced in 1829 by a stone structure.
The old city centers around the Schlossplatz, or Castle Square, which got its name in 1900. The Marktbrunnen or market spring is located between the Rathaus or town hall and the castle.

The Stadtschloss was built in 1840 as a simple city palace in the late classical style for Duke Wilhelm of Nassau. In the Prussian era, it was the favorite haunt of the families of the Prussian King and the German Chancellor. It is home to the State Parliament of Hessen since 1946.

	The evangelic Marktkirche was built between 1852 and1862 as a neogothic basilica with three naves. The west tower, which is 92 m high, is the tallest building in the city. The church is the first pure brick construction in the duchee of Nassau. In front of the Marktkirche is the Schweiger – a monument in memory of Wilhelm von Oranien (1533-1584).		The Heidenmauer is Wiesbaden’s oldest Roman construction and is located next to the Roman Gate. Only fragments of this wall, which was part of a Roman fortification against attacks from the Germanic tribes dating back to 364-375, have survived.
	The Kochbrunnen was first mentioned in 1366 as the “Brühborn”. It is the meeting point of 15 springs, and was the hub of the potable springs of Wiesbaden in the 19th century. The sodium chloride bath at 66°C is the most famous one in the city and can deliver 346 liters of hot water per minute.		Or just stroll past Wiesbaden’s famous Antique Mile, the Taunusstraße, with its elegant passages, or on the splendid Wilhelmstraße. The numerous cafés of the champagne city also invite you to visit. Theme restaurants, ‘happening’ pubs or bars, discotheques and the ‘Weinstube’ are available for celebrations or outings.