Before you stands Cassels Ruhe Stone a simple yet significant monument. This unassuming stone holds a captivating story. It commemorates Johann Heinrich Cassel Bonn’s mayor from 1834 to 1863. Cassel loved this spot on Venusberg. He often paused here to admire the breathtaking view of Bonn and the Rhine.
The Casselsruhe wasn’t always just a stone. It was once a beloved landmark. Many Bonners have cherished childhood memories there. Angelika Rudolphi recalls the arduous climb up Venusberg to reach the Casselsruhe. Once at the top rewards awaited. There were ice creams miniature golf and family time. The Casselsruhe was a popular Sunday destination for generations of Bonners. Families dressed up for the occasion enjoying coffee cake and the company of others.
The original Casselsruhe was more than just a viewpoint. It was an imposing excursion hotel. It expanded from an early excursion bar. Jean Kessel a hotelier unrelated to the mayor expanded the restaurant adding a hotel in 1895. This hotel was sadly destroyed during the Second World War. After the war Karl Kessel and later his son Rudolf rebuilt it. The hotel prospered featuring a restaurant hotel rooms meeting rooms and dance events. Sadly Rudolf Kessel died in an avalanche accident in 1979. This marked the end of the family’s era at Casselsruhe. The property was sold. A new hotel was constructed on the site. Dorint Hotels took over in 2000. The current hotel stands where the original stood. Only the address “An der Casselsruhe 1” hints at the rich history.
Angelika Rudolphi also remembers another aspect of Casselsruhe. In winter children could sled down the hill all the way to Kessenich. The journey was exciting but required caution to avoid a premature stop.
This stone then marks a place of rest reflection and a rich history. It is a quiet tribute to a man and a place that once held a prominent place in Bonn’s social life. It is a legacy etched in stone a resting place for a mayor’s contemplation and a reminder of a beloved excursion spot for many Bonners.