“Is that bridge really swinging?” The Mittlere Drehbrücke might not swing as often these days, but this iron giant has a tale to tell. Built between 1874 and 1878, the Mittlere Drehbrücke is the oldest surviving bridge in Mannheim. It stands as a proud testament to the city’s industrial past. Imagine the hustle and bustle when this bridge was the main artery across the Verbindungskanal, a bustling harbor basin connecting Jungbusch and Mühlauinsel. In 1902, the bridge received a modern makeover. The firm MAN equipped it with a new superstructure of steel girders and a fancy new drive mechanism, transforming it into a swing bridge. For decades, it diligently served both goods and people traversing the canal. But time, as always, marched on. By the 1970s, the bridge was no longer swung, its once vital role overtaken by newer crossings. Yet, amazingly, the century-old technology that allowed it to move remains intact, a silent echo of a bygone era. Look closely, and you can almost hear the echoes of its working past! The Mittlere Drehbrücke is more than just a bridge. It’s a survivor. Even with plans to demolish it in the early 2000s, the citizens of Mannheim rallied to its defense. Today, it stands as a protected cultural monument, its future secured by the very people who refused to let it be forgotten.
Kleines Kreuz
Hidden amongst the vineyards near Freinsheim stands the Kleines Kreuz. This unassuming wayside cross holds a secret. It whispers tales