Kassel history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Kassel is rooted in the early Middle Ages. The settlement was first mentioned in official documents in 913 AD under the name Chassalla (or Chassella). At that time, King Conrad I signed two deeds here, indicating the existence of a fortified royal court at this location. The name likely derives from the Latin Castellum (fortress) or a Frankish term denoting a fortification on the river.

Key Factors of Formation

The transformation from a small fortification into a prosperous city was driven by several important factors:

• Geography and Logistics: The city emerged on a strategically important elevation near a crossing over the river Fulda. This location allowed for the control of the movement of goods and people in the region.
• Political Power: A decisive moment was the rise of Kassel as an administrative center. In the 12th century, it came under the rule of the Landgraves of Thuringia, and after 1277, it became the main residence of the Landgraves of Hesse, securing the city's status as a capital.
• Acquisition of Rights: Around 1189, Kassel received town rights, which provided a legal basis for the development of self-government, the construction of walls, and the organization of markets.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Kassel was formed around serving the rulers' court and trade. Obtaining city status allowed for regular fairs to be held, attracting merchants and artisans. By the 13th century, the city was divided into several quarters and protected by powerful fortress walls. The cultural life of that time was closely linked to religious institutions, particularly the Ahnaberg monastery, founded in the early 13th century, which played a significant role in the spiritual and educational development of the region.

Major Milestones in Kassel's History

• 913: First documentary mention of the settlement under the name Chassalla in the deeds of King Conrad I.
• 1189: Kassel receives official town status, boosting trade and self-government.
• 1277: The city becomes the main residence of the Landgraves of Hesse, turning into an important political center.
• 1685: The mass resettlement of French Huguenots to Kassel contributes to the economic and cultural flourishing of the region.
• 1701: Landgrave Charles begins the grand construction of the Hercules complex and water cascades in the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe.
• 1779: The Fridericianum opens — the first museum on the European continent accessible to the general public.
• 1812: The Brothers Grimm, living in Kassel, publish the first volume of their world-famous fairy tales here.
• 1866: After becoming part of Prussia, the city becomes the administrative center of the province of Hesse-Nassau.
• 1955: The first documenta contemporary art exhibition takes place, becoming a symbol of the city's cultural revival.
• 1971: The University of Kassel is founded, uniting several higher schools and becoming a hub for students.
• 2013: The Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe with its unique hydro-system is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Stages of Development and Their Impact on Kassel's Appearance

Kassel has journeyed from a medieval fortress to a modern center of culture and industry. Each era left its unique mark on the architecture, economy, and spirit of the city. Here are the key milestones that defined its modern look:

• Influx of Huguenots and Urban Planning Leap (Late 17th Century)

  The acceptance of French Huguenot refugees by Landgrave Charles became a powerful stimulus for the economy. A new district was built for them — Oberneustadt (Upper New Town). This brought new crafts, technologies (textiles, jewelry making), and French architectural influence to Kassel.

• Age of Enlightenment and Creation of Museums (18th Century)

  Under Landgrave Frederick II, Kassel became one of the centers of the European Enlightenment. The opening of the Fridericianum made the city a pioneer in museum affairs, providing access to art collections for the general public, not just the nobility. This laid the foundation for the city's cultural identity.

• Industrialization and the Era of Locomotives (19th Century)

  In the mid-19th century, the Henschel family founded engineering works here. Kassel turned into a major industrial center, known for the production of locomotives, which led to sharp population growth and the development of transport infrastructure.

• Literary Hub of the Brothers Grimm (1805–1830)

  The years Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm spent in Kassel were the most productive for their work. It was here that the famous fairy tales were collected and written down. This heritage made the city an important point on Germany's tourist map (the "Fairy Tale Route").

• Reconstruction of the 1950s: A City for the Future

  After significant destruction during the Second World War, Kassel was rebuilt in the spirit of modernism. The Treppenstraße (Stair Street) appeared here — the first pedestrian zone in West Germany. The city became an example of post-war urbanism focused on functionality and open spaces.

• Birth of documenta (since 1955)

  The initiative of artist Arnold Bode to organize a contemporary art exhibition returned Kassel to the global cultural context. Now, every five years, the city transforms into a "museum of 100 days," attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists and investors from around the world.

• UNESCO Status and University City (21st Century)

  The inclusion of the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe in the World Heritage List and the development of the University of Kassel have finally formed the image of a city where historical landscape architecture, science, and contemporary art harmoniously combine.

Architectural Eclecticism and Urban Design

The architectural appearance of Kassel is unique in its dramatic contrast: grand palace and park ensembles of the Baroque and Classicism eras coexist with functional buildings from the 1950s. The destruction of the historical center during the Second World War led to the city being reimagined, becoming a textbook on post-war modernism, while the peripheral districts retained the imperial grandeur of past centuries.

Historical Styles and Iconic Structures

Each era has left its dominants in Kassel, shaping the urban landscape:

• Gothic (Middle Ages)

  Little remains of the medieval city, but the spirit of that era can be felt at the Brüderkirche. This oldest church building in the city (14th century) is an example of the strict Gothic architecture of mendicant orders. The Druselturm — a round tower of the former city fortifications — has also survived.

• Baroque (17th–Early 18th Century)

  The reign of Landgrave Charles was marked by large-scale projects designed to emphasize the ruler's status. The main monuments of this period are:

  • The Orangerie in the Karlsaue park — an elegant building with corner pavilions.
  • The monumental Hercules complex and the initial cascades in the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, symbolizing the triumph of absolutism.
  • The Oberneustadt district, designed for the Huguenots, with its geometrically regular layout.
• Classicism (18th–19th Centuries)

  During this period, Kassel became a center of the Enlightenment. Architect Simon Louis du Ry formed the new look of the city, focusing on ancient ideals:

  • The Fridericianum (1779) — one of the first buildings in the world specially constructed as a public museum. Its columned facade became a benchmark of Classicism.
  • Wilhelmshöhe Palace — rebuilt in the late 18th century, it completes the axis of the mountain park in strict and majestic forms.

20th Century Architecture and Modernity

• Post-War Modernism (1950s)

  After 1945, a decision was made not to restore the timber-framed old town but to build a new, spacious, and future-oriented one. Kassel became a vivid example of "economic miracle" architecture:

  • Treppenstraße — the first pedestrian zone in West Germany, connecting the railway station to the center via a system of terraces and stairs.
  • The State Theatre building — an example of functionalism with clean lines and large glazed surfaces.
• Postmodernism and Contemporary Architecture

  The influence of the documenta exhibition brought bold modern forms to the city. An example is the documenta-Halle (1992) — an exhibition hall made of glass and steel, harmoniously integrated into the historical context near the Fridericianum.

Distinguished Personalities of Kassel

The history of Kassel is inextricably linked with the names of visionary rulers, brilliant creators, and industrial pioneers. These people not only lived in the city but also shaped its unique cultural and economic landscape, known today throughout the world.

Guardians of Culture and Art

• Brothers Grimm (Jacob and Wilhelm)
  Linguists, folklore researchers, and writers (19th century)
  Spent over 30 years in Kassel working as librarians. It was here that they collected, processed, and published their famous "Children's and Household Tales". Their legacy turned the city into the capital of the "German Fairy Tale Route."
• Arnold Bode
  Artist, curator, and educator (20th century)
  A native of Kassel who initiated the documenta exhibition in 1955. His idea to bring Germany back into dialogue with global contemporary art after the war made the city one of the main points on the world cultural map.
• Louis Spohr
  Composer, virtuoso violinist, and conductor (19th century)
  Served as court Kapellmeister in Kassel for many years. Spohr was a key figure of German Romanticism and contributed to transforming the city into a significant musical center of Europe at that time.
• Dorothea Viehmann
  Storyteller (18th–19th century)
  A simple innkeeper from the vicinity of Kassel who possessed a phenomenal memory. She became a crucial source for the Brothers Grimm, telling them over 40 stories that were included in the second volume of their fairy tale collection.

Rulers and Innovators

• Landgrave Charles of Hesse-Kassel
  Ruler and patron of sciences (17th–18th century)
  An ambitious ruler whose will created the Baroque Karlsaue Park and the grand Hercules complex with water cascades. He also invited the Huguenots to the city and supported scientific research, including the experiments of Denis Papin.
• Landgrave Frederick II
  Enlightened monarch (18th century)
  Founder of the Fridericianum. He took a revolutionary step for his time by opening his art collections and library for public access, which contributed to the education of the citizens.
• Georg Christian Carl Henschel
  Industrialist and inventor (18th–19th century)
  Founder of a dynasty of entrepreneurs who turned Kassel into a major industrial center. The Henschel plant became known worldwide for the production of locomotives, trucks, and machinery.
• Denis Papin
  Physicist, mathematician, and inventor (17th century)
  A French Huguenot who worked at the court of Landgrave Charles. In Kassel, he conducted experiments with a steam pump (a prototype of the steam engine) and invented the first design of the pressure cooker.