Sixty Pfennig a square meter. That’s what a plot of land in Frauenkopf cost in 1897. Can you imagine? Today this quiet residential area perched above Stuttgart is highly sought after.
Frauenkopf. The name itself evokes images of a woman’s head a gentle hill overlooking the city. But its history is far richer than just its name. It began centuries ago with a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady. This chapel. long gone. gave its name to the surrounding forest and hill. Frauenwald Frauenkopf.
For centuries Frauenkopf was just a wooded hill. Then. in the late 19th century things began to change. Stuttgart’s burgeoning industry created a demand for housing. Wealthy Stuttgarters. seeing the potential of Frauenkopf’s quiet location and stunning views began buying up land. Dr Hans Distler an eye doctor and court advisor built the first substantial building a hunting lodge in 1903.
Soon others followed. These were not ordinary people. These were prominent Stuttgarters. They cleared the land. built impressive villas and formed the Frauenkopf Association. This association pushed for infrastructure. They wanted water and electricity. By 1911 Frauenkopf was connected to the city’s water supply. Anton Sebesta built the first house. It was quickly bought by Franz Kunkel a typesetter and socialist activist. He became known as the “Red Savior of Frauenkopf”. because of his eloquent speeches and impressive beard.
The development accelerated. Roads were built. The area was connected to the power grid in 1926 and the gas network in 1932. A grand development plan in 1929 proposed 250 houses. Villas and exclusive homes sprung up. many owned by industrialists. During the Nazi era. Frauenkopf. like much of Germany. endured hardship. Franz Kunkel’s son was imprisoned. The association even declared Frauenkopf “Jew-free”. Despite this dark chapter. Frauenkopf was spared from war damage thanks to the bravery of some local communists and social democrats.
After the war. Frauenkopf’s popularity continued to grow. A church was built in 1955. It even had a Weigle organ. A large telecommunications tower was erected in the 1970s. Today Frauenkopf remains a desirable area. A peaceful oasis. a green island within the bustling city of Stuttgart. But. as you walk through its streets. remember the stories that are written in the stones. The 60 Pfennig square meter. the Red Savior. the wartime bravery. It’s all here in Frauenkopf. a place where history and tranquility meet.