Remember the name Kuglerpark? That’s where our story begins. Today we are standing at Heiligenstädter Park. This green space has a rich and layered history.
Heiligenstädter Park is a large city park in Döbling. It spans nine hectares. Its story began well before its official establishment.
In 1781 a mineral spring dating back to Roman times was discovered. This led to the creation of the Heiligenstädter Bad with its own health resort garden. The bathhouse was located east of the Heiligenstädter Parish Church St Michael.
In 1845 Josef and Leopoldine Kugler acquired the facility. They named it Kuglerbad and Kuglerpark. They offered transport to the swimming school and bathhouse. Kugler expanded the business. He added a theater arena.
In 1860 there were rumors. People thought the bath water came from the Nestelbach stream. Kugler refuted this. He stated the stream only powered a machine. This machine lifted the well water.
The Danube regulation of 1870-1875 impacted the groundwater level. The mineral spring’s output decreased. However Kugler’s Park remained popular. In 1883 Adolf Abraham Goldschmidt acquired the baths. His widow Anna sold it to the city of Vienna in 1900. The bath had already closed in 1896.
In 1900 the city of Vienna created a park. Until 1905 it was called Kuglerpark. From 1936 to 1949 it was named Kuhnpark after Wenzel Kuhn. Finally it became Heiligenstädter Park.
A Beethoven monument was unveiled in 1910. Robert Weigl created the model. Fritz Hänlein executed it in Carrara marble. Robert Oerley designed the architectural setting.
In 1977 parts of the former Rothschild Gardens were added. Nathaniel Mayer Freiherr von Rothschild had acquired large areas. He created a botanical garden. The family donated the proceeds from the entrance fees.
The Rothschild Gardens were seized in 1938. The villa and valuable plants were destroyed. Only the gatekeeper’s house remained. After the war the garden was returned. In 1950 it was gifted to the city of Vienna.
Today Heiligenstädter Park offers much. There are playgrounds and sports fields. Cool off at the water playground. It features water fountains and a whale.
Heiligenstädter Park preserves pieces of history. The marble Venus figure by Antardini is now in the Palm House. Elements from the Rothschild estate can still be found. Only the gatekeeper’s house at Geweygasse 6 remains.
So next time you stroll through Heiligenstädter Park remember its past. It evolved from a Roman spring to a popular recreation area. It is a place where history and leisure intertwine. Enjoy the park’s offerings.