Rheine history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Rheine is rooted in the Carolingian era. The first documentary mention of the settlement dates back to 838 AD, when Emperor Louis the Pious transferred the estate known as Villa Reni to the Herford Abbey. The name itself likely derives from an ancient root meaning "to flow" or "river," which directly links the city's origins to the River Ems. Initially, it was a fortified royal court serving as a stronghold in the region.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a small settlement into an important urban centre was driven by a combination of strategic and geographical advantages:

• River Crossing: Rheine emerged at a location where the River Ems was shallow enough to ford. This made the settlement a key point for the movement of troops and merchants.
• Intersection of Trade Routes: Two ancient trade routes (including the famous Hellweg) passed through the ford, connecting the inland areas of Westphalia with the coast and neighbouring lands.
• Military Significance: Frankish rulers used this location to establish a military camp to control the crossing and ensure the safety of the routes.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

A crucial milestone in the development of Rheine was the year 1327, when the Bishop of Münster granted the settlement city status. This event radically changed the way of life:

• Right to Self-Governance: The city gained the ability to build defensive walls and moats, which increased the safety of residents and attracted artisans.
• Market Trade: City status allowed for regular markets, transforming Rheine from a transit point into a hub for local trade in grain, livestock, and handicrafts.
• Saltworks: Even in the early period, saline springs were discovered in the vicinity (Bentlage), which later became the foundation of the region's economic prosperity.

Major Milestones in the History of Rheine

• 838 — First documentary mention of the "Villa Reni" estate in a charter by Emperor Louis the Pious.
• 1327 — Bishop Ludwig II of Münster grants the settlement city status, providing the right to self-governance and the construction of fortifications.
• 1437 — Foundation of the Bentlage Monastery, which centuries later would become a vital cultural monument of the region.
• Around 1520 — Completion of the Late Gothic Church of St. Dionysius, the silhouette of which still dominates the market square.
• 1609 — Baron Johann Bernhard von Velen founds the "Gottesgabe" saltworks, laying the foundation for the development of the salt industry, which became an important part of the city's economy.
• 1647 — Establishment of the first pharmacy in the city, indicating the development of urban infrastructure.
• 1803 — Rheine becomes the capital of the newly formed Principality of Rheine-Wolbeck during the Napoleonic territorial reforms.
• 1856 — Opening of the railway line connecting the city with Hanover and Cologne, kickstarting the industrial revolution.
• Late 19th Century — Rapid development of the textile industry, turning Rheine into one of the centres of weaving production in Westphalia.
• 1937 — Opening of the NaturZoo Rheine, which is known today for its unique species conservation programmes.
• 1946 — The city becomes part of the newly created federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
• 1975 — During municipal reform, the neighbouring communities of Mesum and Elte are incorporated into the city, significantly expanding its boundaries.
• 2000s — Large-scale reconstruction of the city centre and the transformation of former industrial zones into modern public spaces.

Stages of Transformation: From Salt to Modernity

The development of Rheine was defined not only by political decisions but also by the citizens' ability to adapt to changing economic conditions. Several key processes can be identified that shaped the modern appearance of the city:

• The Era of "White Gold" (from the 17th century)
  The founding of the "Gottesgabe" saltworks (Saline Gottesgabe) was the first step towards industrialisation. Salt extraction not only generated revenue for the treasury but also fostered infrastructure development. Subsequently, this industry transformed into a health and spa destination, turning the Bentlage district into a unique cultural landscape.
• The Railway Breakthrough (1856)
  Connection to the national railway network became a catalyst for economic growth. The station in Rheine turned into a major transport hub, ensuring the delivery of coal from the Ruhr area. This made the use of steam engines possible and paved the way for large-scale industrial production.
• Textile Industrialisation (19th–20th centuries)
  For a century and a half, Rheine was known as the "city of textiles." The construction of dozens of spinning and weaving mills radically changed the social structure and architecture of the city. Although the industry declined by the end of the 20th century, many brick factory buildings were preserved and repurposed as lofts and cultural centres.
• Municipal Reform (1975)
  The annexation of neighbouring communities (Mesum, Elte, and others) had decisive urban planning significance. The city substantially expanded its boundaries and surpassed the 50,000-inhabitant mark, securing its status as a key centre of northern Münsterland and the second-largest city in the Steinfurt district.
• Conversion of Military Areas (1990s – 2000s)
  For a long time, Rheine was one of the largest garrisons of the Bundeswehr. The reduction of military presence presented the city with the task of developing the vacated areas. Former barracks were successfully rebuilt into residential quarters and business parks, allowing for economic diversification and reducing dependence on a single sector.
• "Rheine on the Ems" Programme (21st century)
  The modern stage of development is characterised by an urban planning shift towards the river. The implementation of large-scale projects, such as the construction of the Emsgalerie shopping centre and the improvement of embankments, returned the river to the centre of public life, making the city more attractive for tourists and comfortable for residents.

Medieval Core and Gothic Style

The architectural appearance of Rheine's historic centre, located on the left bank of the River Ems, was formed in the Middle Ages. The urban structure here retains the features of a typical Westphalian city with the market square as the central element.

• Church of St. Dionysius (St. Dionysius): The dominant feature of the old town. This is a striking example of Late Gothic architecture (construction completed around 1520). The building is a hall church with a massive western tower that has served as the city's main landmark for centuries.
• Falkenhof: One of the oldest complexes in the city. Initially, it was a fortified Carolingian court, which over time transformed into a noble residence. In its architecture, medieval defensive features blend with elements of later renovations.

Baroque and Secularisation

Unlike many German cities, Rheine was not completely rebuilt during the Baroque era, yet this style left its mark on details and countryside ensembles.

• Bentlage Monastery (Kloster Bentlage): Founded in 1437 in the Gothic style, the complex underwent significant changes in subsequent centuries. After secularisation in 1803, it was converted into a noble manor (Schloss Bentlage), acquiring features of restrained Baroque and Classicism in its interiors and facades.
• Historic Residential Houses: Individual buildings with Baroque portals and gables have been preserved on the market square, testifying to the wealth of the merchant class of that time.

Historicism and the Industrial Era

With the onset of the industrial revolution and the arrival of the railway in the 19th century, the city expanded across the river, beginning active development of the right bank. This period was marked by the flourishing of Historicism — a style imitating the architecture of past eras.

• Basilica of St. Anthony: A monumental structure erected on the right bank of the Ems between 1899 and 1905. The temple is designed in a majestic Neo-Romanesque style. Its tower, over 100 metres high, is the tallest structure in the region and symbolises the city's economic rise during the industrialisation era.
• Industrial Architecture: The textile boom left behind numerous red brick factory buildings. These structures, combining functionality with decorative elements of Brick Gothic, form a unique industrial landscape on the outskirts of the centre.

Modernity and Integration with the River

Urban planning of the late 20th and early 21st centuries is characterised by a rethinking of the river's role. Modern architecture in Rheine strives for openness and environmental friendliness.

• "City by the River" Concept: New public buildings and shopping centres (such as Emsgalerie) are built in the style of modern functionalism and postmodernism. The active use of glass and steel allows for a visual connection between interior spaces and the Ems embankment, transforming former industrial zones into places of leisure.

Famous Natives and Residents

The history and culture of Rheine are inextricably linked with the names of people who made a significant contribution to the development of the city, the region, and the entire country. From pioneers of industry to modern sports heroes, these individuals have brought fame to the city far beyond its borders.

• Johann Bernhard von Velen (1620–1685) — Nobleman and founder of the saltworks.
  A key figure in the city's economic history. It was he who founded the "Gottesgabe" saltworks (Saline Gottesgabe) in Bentlage. This enterprise defined the industrial profile of the region for centuries, and today his legacy is an important cultural monument.
• Carl Kümpers (1832–1911) — Industrialist and entrepreneur.
  One of the "fathers" of Rheine's textile industry. The activities of the Kümpers dynasty turned the city into a major centre of textile production in Westphalia in the 19th century, significantly influencing its architectural appearance and social structure.
• Josef Winckler (1881–1966) — Writer.
  A renowned German man of letters born in Rheine. He gained the most popularity for his picaresque novel "The Mad Bomberg" (Der tolle Bomberg), which vividly describes the customs and life of the Westphalian nobility.
• Hendrik Wüst (born 1975) — Politician.
  A native of Rheine who built a successful political career. Since 2021, he has held the post of Minister-President of the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia, leading the most populous region in Germany.
• Kerstin Stegemann (born 1977) — Footballer.
  A legend of German women's football born in Rheine. A two-time World Champion (2003, 2007) and four-time European Champion, she is one of the most titled athletes in the region.
• Jonas Reckermann (born 1979) — Beach Volleyball Player.
  Olympic Champion in London 2012 and World Champion. Reckermann, also a native of Rheine, became the first European to win Olympic gold in this discipline, forever inscribing his name in the history of world sports.