Was it truly Anselm von Nellingen who, in 1120, unknowingly set in motion the story we’re about to explore here in Nellingen? This place we now call Nellingen, a part of Ostfildern, holds stories that stretch back centuries.
Nellingen’s history began with a donation. Anselm von Nellingen, a local nobleman, gifted his property to the Monastery of St. Blaise. This act laid the foundation for the Propstei. Benedictine monks soon arrived. They established a priory to manage their growing regional holdings.
Nellingen started as a village. It transformed into a community of factory workers. The END streetcar line to Esslingen in 1926 eased commutes to Neckar Valley factories. Nellingen grew, encompassing about half of Ostfildern’s area.
The Klosterhof shapes Nellingen’s historic center. Until 1649, the Propstei resided here. Afterward, it became a Württembergisches Kameralamt until 1836.
The St. Blasius Church stands proudly. Its late Romanesque tower dates back to 1220. The tower is unique. Its square base tapers into an octagon. It is considered the oldest of its kind in Württemberg. The church was renovated in 1777. This was after storm damage. A community hall was added in 1926. A major renovation occurred in 1994 and 1995.
The Pfarrhaus, built in 1565, is one of Nellingen’s oldest buildings. It served as a parsonage until 1838. The city acquired it in 1975. It was thoroughly renovated in 1980.
The Propsteigebäude dates back to the 16th century. Its oldest parts are from around 1500. It reached its current form by 1599. The Klosterhof includes the Rathaus and the Fruchtkasten with its stepped gable.
Nellingen faced destruction. During the South German City War in 1449, the Free Imperial City of Esslingen razed Nellingen and Kemnat. Nellingen’s importance grew due to the Priory. Yet Kemnat, Ruit, and Scharnhausen were not unimportant.
Today Nellingen is the largest district. It has around 10,500 residents. Hindenburg Street is a major axis and business street. Nellingen blends the medieval Klosterhof area with modern facilities. There is a school, sports center, swimming pool, and the Kubino. The Kubino houses educational spaces, childcare, a meeting hall, and the main library branch. The light-rail line ends in northern Nellingen since 2000. A cultural center thrives at the former streetcar terminus. It includes the Volkshochschule and music school.
Nellingen continues to evolve. The “Aging Well in Nellingen” project ensures a good quality of life for older residents. This initiative serves as a model for other districts in Ostfildern. From its monastic origins to its modern developments, Nellingen remains a vital part of Ostfildern. It balances its rich past with a vibrant present.
Now, as we conclude this part of our tour, consider the enduring legacy of Nellingen. It is a place where history and progress intertwine. Its story, from Anselm’s donation to today’s community initiatives, echoes through the centuries.