Theatre, Wiesbaden.
Introduction
Wiesbaden is the capital of Hesse and one of the oldest spa towns in Europe. It once boasted 27 hot springs, 15 of which are still in operation.
Goethe, Dostoyevsky, Wagner, and Brahms all came to bathe here. Dostoyevsky, who suffered from an acute gambling compulsion, allegedly lost his travelling money in Wiesbaden's Spielbank casino in 1865. Some say it was in Bad Homburg. In 1991, the Russian government offered to settle his debts, but the city of Wiesbaden graciously and symbolically wrote them off.
Spa house, Wiesbaden.
History
Wiesbaden was occupied continuously since the Romans founded the settlment of Aquae Mattiacorum 2,000 years ago. The city later became one of the seats of the County, then Duchy of Nassau, whose rulers ascended the thrones of the Netherlands (as Stadtholders since 1559) and Luxembourg (in 1890).
Attractions
There are two ducal residences in Wiesbaden: the neoclassical Stadtschloss ('city palace'), now used as the Hessian State Parliament (partially accessible), and the baroque Biebrich Palace (accessible by tours).
Biebrich Palace, Wiesbaden.
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