Gera flows gently. It whispers tales of Hochheim, a suburb of Erfurt. Hochheim is a place where history and modern life intertwine. We stand here today to explore its story.
Hochheim’s history stretches back centuries. It was first mentioned in 779. Back then, it was just a small village. Over time, Hochheim grew. It became an important part of the Erfurt area.
Once, a fortified wall stood a kilometer south of Hochheim. It offered protection to early settlers. Archaeologists found pottery and tools there. These finds show that people lived here long ago. They date back to the Hallstatt and Latène periods.
During the Thirty Years’ War, Hochheim lost its independence. It was controlled by the city of Erfurt between 1632 and 1635. In 1634, the villagers caused trouble. They refused to convert to the Lutheran Church. Instead, they held onto their Catholic faith. Erfurt’s city council wanted to tear down the village and its church. But this never happened. The city accepted Hochheim’s right to remain Catholic.
The plague and famine struck Hochheim in 1682 and 1683. Many people died. But farmers from nearby Bischleben donated food. Their generosity eased the suffering. A fire destroyed 50 buildings in 1710. Despite these hardships, Hochheim persevered.
The new church was dedicated in 1731. The Marienkapelle was built in 1774. In 1802, Hochheim became part of Prussia. Its status as a “kitchen village” was officially ended. The railway line was built in 1847. However, Hochheim did not get its own station. The nearest stations were in Erfurt and Bischleben. Hochheim was incorporated into Erfurt in 1938.
Today, Hochheim is mainly a residential area. Kressepark is located northeast of the village. Here, fish are still bred. Erfurter Brunnenkresse is grown by the Fischer family. The family cultivates it in the Gera’s damp lowlands.
To the northeast lies the Ega-Park and the Messe. The Steigerwald and Luisenpark are within walking distance. They offer opportunities for recreation.
Two churches stand in Hochheim. The Catholic village church is dedicated to St. Boniface. It was largely built between 1729 and 1731. The tower was added in 1756. The Protestant Johanneskirche is located on the Angerberg. It was built in 1883 in the Neo-Gothic style. Many Protestants had moved to Hochheim. They were the reason why the church was built.
Take a look at the villas in the north of Hochheim. These were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Hochheim became a popular residential area for Erfurt’s upper classes. This was because of its location on the southern slope of the Cyriaksburg. It also benefitted from facing the Gera valley and the Steigerwald.
Hochheim’s story shows resilience. It shows community spirit. From its early beginnings to its modern identity, Hochheim has overcome challenges. It has transformed itself while preserving its unique character. As we leave Hochheim, remember its history. Remember its people who shaped it into what it is today.