Market Square
Marktplatz

The Marktplatz is Wiesbaden’s central square, a role that the square has had for centuries. The square is located in the historic part of the city and has been a gathering place for markets, festivals, political events and public announcements. Already in the Middle Ages, the place served as a trading center, where citizens from the city and the surrounding countryside met to buy and sell goods. In the middle of part of the square stands the Marktbrunnen, a fountain from 1753.

On one side of the Marktplatz is the historic Alte Rathaus, which was built in 1610 in the Renaissance style and later underwent several renovations. The building has a characteristic facade compared to the other, somewhat larger buildings on the square. In addition to the old town hall, you can also see the new town hall from the 19th century and the Marktkirche on the square. You can also visit the Stadtmuseum am Markt, which vividly depicts the history of Wiesbaden. The museum is located in the historic Marktkeller under the Dernsche Gelände.

Old City Hall
Alte Rathaus

The Alte Rathaus in Wiesbaden is one of the city’s most important historical buildings. Originally built in the early 17th century, the old town hall served as the center of the city’s administration for centuries. Over time, the building has witnessed important political decisions, civic meetings, and ceremonies, making it an important part of Wiesbaden’s historical development from a medieval trading town to a modern spa and residential town.

The Alte Rathaus was built in the Renaissance style by Antonius Schöffer based on plans by Valerius Bausendorff and was characterized by its finely decorated facade and carved reliefs, the originals of which are now kept in the Wiesbadener Museum. Stone copies were inserted during a renovation in 1828, when the original half-timbered building was replaced by Gothic stone walls. The detailed reliefs depict the virtues of strength, justice, charity, prudence, and temperance.

Wiesbaden City Hall
Rathaus Wiesbaden

The Rathaus Wiesbaden is the city’s current town hall and one of the most striking buildings in the city center. The building was built between 1884 and 1887 and designed by the architect Georg von Hauberrisser, who was known for his magnificent neo-Gothic projects. The Rathaus was built at a time when Wiesbaden was growing rapidly as a spa and residential town, and the architecture was the popular neo-Gothic style of the time.

Architecturally, the Rathaus Wiesbaden was built with striking towers, ornamented facades and beautifully decorated windows. The facade details, pointed arches and the height of the tower create an impressive visual impression, and inside there are large representational halls with stucco and decoration, which serve both official functions and ceremonial events. The building still serves as the center of the city’s administration.

Palace Square
Schloßplatz

Schloßplatz in Wiesbaden is the historic center of the city. There was already a fortified settlement on the site in the Middle Ages, and the square served as the city’s marketplace for centuries. The name Schloßplatz came about when the Stadtschloss of the Dukes of Nassau was built in the first half of the 19th century, and the square thus took on the role of forecourt to the residential palace. Since then, the area has been a political and cultural center, where markets, folk festivals and official events took place.

Architecturally, Schloßplatz is characterized by a harmonious interaction between several striking buildings. On one side is the neoclassical Stadtschloss, which is today the home of the Hessian State Parliament, which is the equivalent of a parliament. On the other side is the red brick Marktkirche church, which rises dramatically into the sky with its five towers. In addition, there is the old town hall from the 17th century and the newer town hall from the late 19th century, which together create an architectural ensemble that unites Baroque, Neoclassicism, Neo-Gothic and Historicism in one unified urban space.

Wiesbaden City Palace
Wiesbadener Stadtschloss

Wiesbadener Stadtschloss was built between 1837 and 1841 as the residence of the Dukes of Nassau. The client was Duke Wilhelm von Nassau, and the architect behind the project was the famous Georg Moller, who was one of the most prominent representatives of Neoclassicism in Germany at the time. The palace was built along Schloßplatz in direct connection with the city’s oldest square. The building was conceived as a representative residence where court and politics could be combined, and its monumental expression was a clear manifestation of the dukes’ ambitions to make Nassau a state that could compete with the larger German principalities.

Architecturally, the Stadtschloss is a magnificent example of a classicist palace building from the mid-19th century. The facade is strictly symmetrical, divided by pilasters and characterized by a subdued elegance, where proportions and clarity of lines take precedence over excessive decoration. Inside, large halls with stucco ceilings, chandeliers and decorations were designed, reflecting both the taste of the time and the ducal family’s need for representation. Among the most famous rooms is the so-called Rotunda, which is a circular hall connecting the different wings. There is also a garden hall, where parties and musical events took place.

After the dissolution of the Duchy of Nassau in 1866, when Prussia took over power in the region, the Stadtschloss’s function changed. For a period, it was used as the residence of Emperor Wilhelm II when he stayed in Wiesbaden, which emphasized its status as a place of national importance. After World War II, when the building escaped the worst of the damage, the castle was restored, and in 1946 it was designated as the seat of the Hessian State Parliament, a role it still holds today.

In continuation of the castle is the Kavalierhaus building, which was built in the 19th century as a side wing to the ducal residence, where court officials and guests could be accommodated. The name also refers to the house of the cavaliers, who were the high-ranking persons in the court state who did not have their own residence in Wiesbaden, but who were required to be present close to the court. Architecturally, the Kavaliershaus is a good example of the classicist building style that left its mark on Wiesbaden in the first half of the 19th century.

Market Church
Marktkirche

The Marktkirche is one of the most iconic buildings in Wiesbaden. It is the city’s largest church and a central landmark on Schloßplatz. The church was built between 1853 and 1862 and designed by the architect Carl Boos in the neo-Gothic style. It was built as a Protestant church. The choice of brick as a material and the monumental scale mark a clear difference from the classicist and baroque buildings in the city center. The Marktkirche was planned as a dominant building with five towers, with the main tower rising almost 98 meters above the city center, making it the tallest building in Wiesbaden.

Architecturally, the Marktkirche draws clear lines from the great Gothic cathedrals of northern Germany, but it adapts the Gothic style to a more compact urban context. The church has a long nave without aisles, but with distinctive galleries and a star-vaulted ceiling construction, which gives the space both solemnity and light. The detailed stone decoration, pointed arched windows and ornamented portals emphasize the aesthetic ideals of neo-Gothic. Inside, the church’s main altar is surrounded by decorations, colored glass mosaics and an impressive organ from Walcker.

Bowling Green

Bowling Green is one of the most well-known and historically significant green spaces in Wiesbaden and is located centrally in the city’s historic quarter, close to the Kurhaus and Schloßplatz. The area was originally laid out in the mid-19th century as a crescent-shaped lawn inspired by English and French landscape parks that were popular in Europe at the time. The name Bowling Green refers to the English tradition of outdoor games such as bowls and cricket, which were introduced to European spa towns as part of aristocratic leisure activities. The square quickly became a gathering point for the city’s citizens and spa guests, who could enjoy the open space, the surrounding trees and the view of the Kurhaus’ facade.

Architecturally, Bowling Green functions as a deliberately designed landscape, where the geometry and symmetry emphasize the representative character of the place. The original plan included paths and tree plantings, which created a harmonious setting for the open grass area. Two cascading fountains, designed by Theodor Goetz in 1856, were later integrated as decorative elements, giving the square an extra dimension. Today, Bowling Green is still a beautiful recreational urban space, although it has been changed quite a bit since its original construction.

Hesse State Theatre Wiesbaden
Hessisches Staatstheater Wiesbaden

The Hessisches Staatstheater Wiesbaden is one of Germany’s oldest and most important state operas and theaters. The theater was originally founded in the mid-19th century, but the current building was inaugurated in 1894 according to designs by architects Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer, who were known for designing magnificent theaters throughout Europe. The Staatstheater quickly became the center for both musical and dramatic performances, and it has been visited by famous conductors, composers and actors over the years.

Architecturally, the Staatstheater represents eclectic historicism combined with elements from classicism, baroque and neo-renaissance. The façade is decorated with columns, while the entrance is flanked by majestic staircases and portals, signaling the building’s importance as a place of high culture. Inside, the theater’s great hall features lavish decorative details including stucco ceilings, frescoes and chandeliers, creating a magnificent atmosphere.

Kurhaus Wiesbaden

The Kurhaus Wiesbaden is one of the city’s most famous and iconic buildings. For over 200 years, it has served as the center of spa and social life in the city. The current building, which was inaugurated in 1907, was designed by Friedrich von Thiersch and replaced the former Cursaal from the early 19th century. The Kurhaus was built during a period when Wiesbaden had achieved international status as a spa town, and the building was intended to reflect the city’s prestige and elegance. It became a gathering place for nobility, artists, political leaders and tourists, where they could attend ballrooms, musical performances and other events.

Architecturally, the Kurhaus combines classicist features with elements of Art Nouveau and Belle Époque. The building is adorned with Corinthian columns, large windows and decorative friezes, creating a monumental and harmonious facade. Inside, the largest rooms are lavishly decorated with marble, frescoes and stucco work, reflecting the luxury and aesthetics of the time. The concert hall has excellent acoustics and is still used for symphony concerts and other musical events, and the building also houses the famous Casino Wiesbaden.

Luther Church
Lutherkirche

The Lutherkirche in Wiesbaden was inaugurated on Christmas Eve 1910 and represents an important phase in the city’s church history, where a new aesthetic was sought after the period of historicism. The church was designed by the architect Friedrich Pützer, who was known for his combination of simplicity and functionality with inspiration from Art Nouveau and Romanesque architecture. The Lutherkirche was planned as a Protestant church for the district and was to be able to accommodate the growing congregation at the beginning of the 20th century.

The Lutherkirche stands out stylistically with its tall, clear form with a single nave without aisles. The roof reaches up to 20 meters, and the facade of the building appears sober with geometric details and lightly decorative elements inspired by Art Nouveau. Inside, the ceiling and walls are adorned with colorful decorations, but without excessive ornamentation, giving the church a bright and inviting space that is markedly different from Wiesbaden’s other churches.

St. Boniface Church
Kirche St. Bonifatius

Kirche St. St. Bonifatius is one of the most striking churches in Wiesbaden and serves as the city’s main Catholic church. The original building was built in the years 1829–1831, but unfortunately collapsed before it could be consecrated. The current church was therefore rebuilt between 1844 and 1849 according to designs by the architect Philipp Hoffmann, and the towers were not completed until 1866. The church was planned as an impressive religious landmark that could house a growing Catholic congregation in the heart of the city. Its location close to Luisenplatz made it a central point in the cityscape.

Architecturally, St. Bonifatius was built in the neo-Gothic style, inspired by German Gothic, but Hoffmann called the style Gothicising Rundbogenstil, indicating a combination of Gothic forms with round-arched elements. The church has two slender towers, 68 meters high, which rise towards the sky and dominate this part of the cityscape. The facade features detailed stonework, pointed windows and portal ornamentation, while the interior of the church features a high, open nave, where the light and proportions create a strong sense of solemnity, monumentality and elegance.

Neroberg Railway
Nerobergbahn

The Nerobergbahn is a unique and historic attraction in Wiesbaden, connecting the city centre with the scenic Neroberg area, which is approximately 245 metres above sea level. The railway was inaugurated in 1888 as a water-powered funicular railway, a rare technology in which gravity and water balance propel the carriages up and down the hill without the need for electricity. Originally built to provide tourists with easy access to the views, spa parks and recreational areas of Neroberg, the Nerobergbahn has been a central part of Wiesbaden’s tourist infrastructure ever since.

The railway also has historical significance, as it represents 19th-century technical innovation and the way in which hilly towns developed transport solutions for both leisure and practical use. The stations at the bottom and top of the track were built with classic wood and brick details that beautifully blend in with the surrounding landscape. The track itself functions as an engineering masterpiece, with two carriages balancing each other via cables, and the filling and emptying of water in the rear carriage’s tank controlling the movement.

Neroberg

Neroberg is a wooded ridge north of Wiesbaden, which, with its location at around 245 meters above sea level, offers one of the city’s most spectacular views. The area has historically been a recreational destination for spa guests and city residents since the 19th century, when Wiesbaden developed into one of Germany’s leading spa towns. Neroberg quickly became a popular destination for its nature, where visitors could enjoy outdoor activities, walks and views of the city and the Rhine.

The accessibility of the area was greatly improved with the construction of the Nerobergbahn in 1888, which made it possible for everyone to reach the top without much effort. Today, the area contains well-maintained paths, parks and viewpoints that lead visitors through woodlands with old trees, flowers and small open spaces. At the top are several striking buildings, such as the Russian Orthodox Kirche auf dem Neroberg, a bright and decorative building that contrasts with the surrounding nature.

Emperor Friedrich Baths
Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme

The Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme is one of Wiesbaden’s most iconic spas. It was built in 1895 in a neo-Romanesque style as a tribute to Kaiser Friedrich III. The building was designed by architect Friedrich von Thiersch, who wanted to combine modern bathing facilities with architectural grandeur and elegance that would match Wiesbaden’s status as a spa town. The site was built over the city’s natural mineral-rich hot springs, which had attracted locals and spa visitors from all over Europe for centuries.

Architecturally, the Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme is a masterpiece in the neo-Romanesque style, with opulent domes, marble columns, mosaics and magnificent vaults that give visitors a sense of luxury and elegance. The interior combines functional bathing facilities with richly decorated rooms, where the light and architectural proportions create a majestic and relaxing experience. The hot springs are still actively used for treatment, and the interior of the building appears almost unchanged since the 19th century, making the experience both historically authentic and aesthetically impressive.

Today, the Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme functions as a modern wellness and recreation center, while the building retains its historical and cultural significance. It attracts both locals and tourists who want to combine health, relaxation, and the experience of historic architecture.

Aukammtal Baths
Thermalbad Aukammtal

Thermalbad Aukammtal is a spa in Wiesbaden, which was established to utilize the city’s many hot springs. The bath is located in a quiet area surrounded by greenery, which provides a relaxing atmosphere. Since its construction, Aukammtal has served as a place where citizens and spa guests could enjoy mineral-rich thermal baths, which were traditionally used to treat joint and muscle pain as well as other health-related ailments, but today it also serves as a place for enjoyment and general visits by the city’s citizens and tourists.

Architecturally, Thermalbad Aukammtal is more simple and functional than the lavish domes and mosaics found in Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme. Today, Thermalbad Aukammtal serves as a popular wellness and treatment center, where visitors can combine relaxation and nature experiences. The location of the bath in beautiful surroundings makes it a lovely place and an interesting complement to Wiesbaden’s more pompous thermal baths.

Biebrich Palace
Schloß Biebrich

Schloß Biebrich is a castle beautifully situated on the Rhine River and one of Wiesbaden’s most magnificent Baroque buildings. Originally built as a garden house in the late 17th century by the Duke of Nassau, the castle quickly grew into a fully-fledged three-winged mansion. Biebrich served as the residence of the Dukes of Nassau and at the same time became the center of the representative functions of the state. The castle was strategically located on the river, which provided both impressive views and easy access for visitors via the waterway, emphasizing the status and prestige the building was intended to have in Europe at the time.

The castle’s role as a residence, a place of representation and the center of court life made it one of the most important buildings in Nassau for several centuries. Architecturally, Schloß Biebrich is a prime example of the Baroque idiom in Germany. The palace is symmetrically built with a central rotunda and wings extending towards the garden, which was originally laid out in the French style. The rotunda, which was once used as a chapel, is adorned with lavish frescoes and ornaments, while the facades are decorated with pilasters, cornices and balustrades, giving the building a sense of monumental elegance.

The garden was later transformed into an English landscape garden, where curved paths, lakes and planting create a harmonious transition between the castle and nature. The combination of Baroque architecture and the well-groomed park makes Biebrich one of the most visited historical sites in Wiesbaden. After the end of the duchy, Schloß Biebrich fell into disrepair, but in the mid-20th century, extensive restorations were initiated to preserve the building. Today, the castle is used both as a representative venue for the state of Hesse and as a cultural center, hosting exhibitions and concerts, among other things.