Wiesbaden

After a tour around Mainz (see previous post), Sam and Jamie took us across the Rhine River to the beautiful town of Weisbaden.

First, a bit of history. Wiesbaden has been a popular spot since Roman times due to its hot springs. Kaiser Wilhelm II made it into a fashionable place after German unification in 1871, when most of its grandiose architecture was constructed. It fared well in the world wars, and it became the European headquarters of the US Air Force after WWII. In fact, the Berlin airlift was coordinated from Wiesbaden. It is also the center of the Sekt (German champagne) industry.

Sam, Jamie, the Father and Penelope in the park by the central pond Warmer Damm


the Hessisches Staatstheater next to the park

in front of the Kurhaus (casino)--we weren't properly dressed so we weren't allowed inside

the Kochbrunnen (boiling fountain)

Jamie takes the opportunity to warm up her hands in the Kochbrunnen

family photo op with the red Marktkirche in the background

the Neo-Gothic Marktkirche--the city's main Lutheran church and a disctinctive landmark

close up you can see that it is mainly constructed from red bricks

And that, my friends, is a quick tour of Wiesbaden.