"A poet's dream of a region..."

is how Heinrich von Kleist once described Wiesbaden and its charming environs along the Rhine River. The city received its descriptive name, literally "bathing in the fields" from the Franks in 829.

Long before this group, though, the thermal waters were discovered by the Romans. They found these steaming pools had healing effects on them, and the ancient attraction still remains. It began to develop as a resort town in the early nineteenth century, and the European aristocracy came in droves.

The presence, prestige and influence of the cultural elite helped develop an extensive calendar of cultural events (many surviving to this day) and the magnificent structures built to house them. Casinos became popular in Wiesbaden to entertain the royalty, nobility and intellectual elite between dips in the baths and it quickly became one of the leading spa destinations in Europe.

The Heidenmauer (Heathens' Wall) is the city’s oldest structure from Roman times and is found next to the Römertor (Roman Gate). It was part of a Roman stronghold dating back to 240 - 260 A.D. built to ward off attacks from the Germanic tribes. The "Römertor" was built in 1902 with a covered wooden bridge. In the Römisches Freilichtmuseum (Roman Open-Air Museum), next to the "Römertor", there are copies of stone tablets found in Wiesbaden from the Roman era. In the Museum Wiesbaden (Wiesbaden Museum), an extensively renovated art collection and exhibit focuses on the “Roman Era and the Early Middle Ages.”

The Old Town, once encircled by a city wall, lends itself to strolls through its narrow, twisting alleys lined with houses dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Perhaps the most impressive area is the district around the “new” Kurhaus, the massive and magnificent Wilhelminian structure that opened in 1907. The neoclassical structure is awe-inspiring with its massive dome and rich adornments, also housing the ornate Casino. Try your luck at the famed casino, where roulette, blackjack and poker are the primary games of choice and visitors can tour or even take lessons.

And, of course, you can’t leave Wiesbaden without experiencing the thermal baths as the Romans did. The Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme (Kaiser Friedrich Thermal Baths), erected in 1913, re-opened to the public in 1999 after extensive restorations. This historic thermal bath is heated by the "Adlerquelle" (Eagle Spring), a hot spring with a temperature of 66°C.

Built at the request of Kaiser Wilhelm II., the "Kurhaus" (Spa House) as it stands today was constructed by Friedrich von Thiersch between 1904 and 1907 for six million Goldmarks and replaced the society building that had been erected by Christian Zais on this spot in 1810.

It is built in Neo-Classical style. The imposing Ionic portal bears the Wiesbaden coat of arms with its three lilies and the phras "Aquis Mattiacis" i.e. dedicated to the waters of the Mattiaci.

The "Kurhaus Wiesbaden" was restored in 1987 true to its original style and is equipped with the latest in communications technology. National and international congresses, meetings, concerts and exhibitions are held here, as well as open-air concerts and the "Kurhaus" New Year's Eve party.

With its 129 meters, the "Kurhauskolonnaden" (Kurhaus Colonnade) is the longest hall in Europe supported by pillars. It was erected in 1827 and replaced the vendors' booths and stalls that had previously stood there. Today, this is where people gamble for small stakes, in the casino's slot area. Various events and exhibitions are also held here.

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Today's Hessian State Parliament building was built in 1840 as a simple city palace in late classical style for William I., Duke of Nassau. It was a popular family abode for the Prussian royal and due to a shortage of space, the palace was built right up to the adjacent buildings, and its size turned out to be relatively modest. In 1835, Duke William von Nassau engaged the Grand Duchy's Senior Building Director Georg Moller to plan the "Stadtschloss" (City Palace) but was unable to move in as he died in 1839. Instead, his son Adolf became the first and only continuously residing lord of the palace in 1841.

When Duke Adolf was compelled to go into exile in 1866, the Kingdom of Prussia used the palace for the visits of the emperors William I and William II. In 1925, it became the seat of the British Rhine Army. In 1930 the Prussian State Administration of Palaces installed a museum there. After serious damage during the Second World War the palace was rebuilt and today it is home to the Hessian House of Parliament.

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The Lutheran "Marktkirche" (Market Church) was built by Karl Boos from 1852 to 1862 as a Gothic revival basilica with three naves. The western tower (98 meters high) makes it the tallest building in the city.

This church was the first brick building erected in the Duchy of Nassau. "Der Schweiger" (the Silent) monument stands in front of the church in commemoration of William I, Prince of Orange (1533-1584).

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The "Kochbrunnen" (Hot Fountain) was first mentioned in 1366. In the 19th century, it was the focal point of all those who had come to take the Wiesbaden waters. The temperature of the most famous sodium-chloride thermal spring is 66 °C; it gushes 346 liters of mineral water per minute. The Kochbrunnen is one of Wiesbaden´s 26 hot spings.

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Russian poet Feodor Dostoevski and German composer Richard Wagner also tried their luck at the Casino Wiesbaden. As early as 1771, the Prince of Nassau-Usingen granted a gambling concession in Wiesbaden. From 1810 onwards, the casino was housed in the old "Kurhaus".

After 1872, when an imperial law resulted in casinos being closed down, it was not until 1949 that gambling could be resumed, this time in the theater foyer. Today, the casino is located in the former wine hall of the "Kurhaus". Regular guided tours through the Casino with demonstration games are on after.

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By order of Kaiser Wilhelm II, the "Hessisches Staatstheater" (Hessian State Theater) was built between 1892-1894 by Fellner and Helmer, two Viennese architects. The magnificent and majestic foyer in Rococo style was added in 1902. The theater auditorium in the Grand Hall is a revival of the Baroque style and has 1041 seats. The Little Hall has 328 seats and the "Studio" has 89.

The "Theaterkolonnade" (Theater Colonnade), built in 1839, is decorated with Mediterranean frescoes and houses small boutiques. Together with the "Kurhaus" and the "Kurhauskolonnaden" (Kurhaus Colonnade), it forms a horseshoe-shaped complex encompassing the so-called "Bowling Green". This lawn owes its name to the English game of bowls.

Two fountains, each with three-tier cascades dating back to 1856 decorate the lawn. A particular attraction is the "Internationale Maifestspiele" (International May Theater Festival) held in the "Hessisches Staatstheater" (Hessian State Theater) every year.

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At 245 meters, the Wiesbaden Neroberg (Neroberg Mountain) is a fairly small "mountain" - but it is an experience in itself. Besides promising lots of recreational fun with the "Opelbad" (open air pool), the "Walderlebnispfad" (forest adventure trail) and the "Kletterwald" (climbing forest), Neroberg Mountain offers above all a fabulous view of the city. Especially during the summer months the rich gastronomic offer makes it an oasis for those who are seeking relaxation. 

Neroberg Mountain can be reached on a forest trail by foot, by car or by "railway". A ride with the historic "Nerobergbahn" (Neroberg Mountain Railway) is like a journey into the past. Since 1888 the carriages have moved up and down the mountain with 7.3 kilometers per hour driven by water ballast. The ingenious technology still enthuses the passengers today, just like it had done in the past. The downhill carriage is filled with up to 7,000 liters of water and pulls the second carriage uphill during its downward descent. When the downhill carriage arrives at the bottom, the water is let off and pumped uphill once again. Both carriages are connected with a 452 meter long steel cable. The Neroberg Mountain Railway is considered to be a monument of technical culture.

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The Russian-Orthodox Church is one of Wiesbaden's landmarks and plays an important role in the life of the city. Situated on Neroberg Mountain, the magnificent five golden cupolas of the church are visible from many places in Wiesbaden. From 1849 to 1855,   Duke Adolf of Nassau had this memorial church erected to house the tomb of his deceased wife, Grand Duchess Elisabeth Michajlowna. The Russian Church is considered the most beautiful and in terms of its interior decorations, the most valuable sacred building in the city of Wiesbaden. The church, which has misleadingly come to be known as the "Greek Chapel" serves the Russian community in Wiesbaden today as their parish church.

Behind the rectory lies the Russian cemetery where numerous dukes and princes from the 19th century rest in peace. The famous expressionist painter Alexej von Jawelensky is also buried here.

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The "Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme" (Kaiser Friedrich Thermal Baths), erected in 1913, re-opened to the public in 1999 after extensive restorations. This historic thermal bath, which is heated by the "Adlerquelle" (Eagle Spring), a hot spring with a temperature of 66°C, offers an Irish-Roman Bath, a fascinating contemporary sauna landscape, and a range of therapies using natural methods of treatment.

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The "Schloss Biebrich" (Biebrich Palace) is situated picturesquely facing the Rhine River. This three-wing baroque building served the Dukes of Nassau as their residence from 1744 to 1866.

Restored in 1985, it serves as the head office of the Hessian State Agency for the Preservation of Historic Monuments, among other agencies.

Once a year, the traditional International Horse Show at Whitsun is held in the "Schlosspark" (Palace Gardens).

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The "Altstadt" (Old Town) of Wiesbaden, which used to be encircled by a city wall, sprawls between the streets of Webergasse, Langgasse and Kirchgasse, Friedrichstrasse and Wilhelmstrasse. Narrow, twisting alleys are lined with houses dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

The "Bäckerbrunnen" (Baker's Fountain) in Grabenstrasse street is now a popular meeting place. The oldest still preserved townhouse, which dates back to 1728, is located at No. 5-7 Wagemannstrasse. The row of houses between these two streets is the heart of the historic quarter and is locally known as the "Schiffchen" or "Little Ship".

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The "Altes Rathaus" (Old City Hall), which was built in 1610, is the oldest building in Wiesbaden. In 1829, the half-timber top floor with curved gables was replaced by a stone structure. Today the building serves as the Registry Office for Births, Deaths and Marriages.

The "Neues Rathaus" (New City Hall) on the south-eastern side of the "Schlossplatz" (Palace Square) was built between 1884 and 1887 according to the plans of Georg von Hauberrisser. The Neo-Renaissance facade was destroyed by bombs in February of 1945 and restored in 1951, albeit in a simpler rendering. The imperial eagle, flanked by the lions of Nassau and the lilies of Wiesbaden, can be seen on the paving in front of City Hall. There are regularly rotating art exhibitions on Wiesbaden and its partner cities.

Near the "Rathaus" (City Hall) there is the "Dern'sches Gelände" (Dern'sche Square), a generous square, which has an underground parking garage as well as the revived historic underground "Markthalle" (Market Hall) which serves as a site for exhibitions nowadays. The Ornamental Pillar and the old "Marktbrunnen" (Market Fountain) are worth seeing.

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The "Kurpark" (Spa Gardens) behind the "Kurhaus" was laid out in 1852 as an English garden and is an invitation to wander among the magnolia, azalea and deciduous cypresses growing there.

A fountain within a pond and statues and sculptures add further charm to the park. The shell-shaped concert stand is richly endowed with ornamentation.

Relics of the old pillars of the "Kurhaus" and a bust of Dostoevski are to be found at the picturesque Nizzaplätzchen (Nice Square).

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The focal point of the Old Town is the "Schlossplatz"  (Palace Square). A farmers' market is held here twice a week. The "Marktbrunnen" (Market Fountain) stands between "Rathaus" (City Hall) and the "Stadtschloss" (City Palace). Evidence of a fountain here goes back to the early 16th century, but it was destroyed during the Thirty Years' War and later restored. The fountain you see today was designed by J. Barger in 1753 and moved to its present location in 1767.

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The "Erbprinzenpalais" (Palace for the Heir to the Throne), built in 1820 by Christian Zais, was given its name because it served as the residence of Prince William of Nassau-Weilburg. The Classicist edifice was later used as an administration building. Since 1971, the palace has housed the "Industrie-und Handelskammer" (Chamber of Industry and Commerce).

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The "Heidenmauer" (Heathens' Wall) is Wiesbaden's oldest structure from Roman times and is found next to the "Römertor" (Roman Gate). It was part of a Roman stronghold dating back to 240 - 260 A.D. built to ward off attacks from the Germanic tribes, only fragments of the wall remain today. More recent research hold the viewpoint that it is part of a Roman aqueduct from the third century AD that carried water into the city from the Taunus Mountains.

The "Römertor" (Roman Gate) was built in 1902 with a covered wooden bridge. In the "Römisches Freilichtmuseum" (Roman Open-Air Museum) next to the gate, there are copies of stone tablets found in Wiesbaden from the Roman era.

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The Villa Clementine was built in 1882 in the Roman-Pompeian style for a factory owner and his wife, Clementine. It attracted public attention as the residence of Queen Natalie of Serbia, whose son Alexander was returned to his native country by force in 1888 during the legendary "Serbian Prince Kidnapping".

The villa served as a setting for the filming of Thomas Mann's "Buddenbrooks". Since 1960, it has been the scene of cultural events in Wiesbaden: Concerts, exhibitions and readings. It is also the Wiesbaden House of Literature and famous for literature Workshops and readings.

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