Neues Rathaus

The Neues Rathaus stands on the Schlossplatz, right at the heart of Wiesbaden's old town. It houses the city government: the council meets here, and the mayors keep their offices under the same roof. From the square, the façade shows the intricate detail typical of Renaissance Revival design. The spot is wheelchair accessible and makes a natural first stop for a tour of the old town.

Georg von Hauberrisser drew up the design, and the building went up between 1884 and 1887. It suffered damage in 1945, and careful restoration has preserved its original grandeur. Most of the interior serves as office space for the city administration, so day-to-day government still runs through these rooms.

Around the building, the old town lines up its own landmarks. The Marktkirche rises close by, a neo-Gothic masterpiece in tall red brick. Opposite stands the Stadtschloss, an opulent neoclassical palace. A short walk takes you to the Bowling Green, a green space where the grand Kurhaus stands. The Hessian State Theatre, with its variety of performances, rounds out the quarter. Below those offices, the basement holds the Ratskeller, a restaurant where a meal comes with historic surroundings.