How did this charming square get its name? Feldbergplatz in Mainz a place steeped in history stands before you. Its name a tribute to the majestic Großer Feldberg the highest peak in the Taunus mountains speaks volumes about the city’s connection to its natural surroundings.
Feldbergplatz is more than just a pretty square. It’s a designated Denkmalzone a historical landmark area. Its history is rich and fascinating. The square’s origins trace back to 1880 when development began transforming the former waterfront into a vibrant neighborhood. By 1887 the construction of Mainz Neustadt was complete. The Feldbergplatz was finished. The area boasted newly planted trees shrubs and bushes. A large green lawn occupied the square’s center. The impressive Feldbergtor and Kaponniere V stood at its northeastern edge overlooking the Rhine.
This wasn’t just about creating a pretty space. The Feldbergplatz became the natural extension of Feldbergstraße and Josefstraße. These streets served as important traffic arteries feeding into the square. Over the following years the square was further developed. Single-family homes multi-family dwellings and businesses sprung up. A splendid villa graced the Rhine waterfront. A large multi-story school building was erected just north of the Rheinallee. Parts of this building still house a kindergarten today. Several public buildings such as the Chemical Testing Office found their place around the Feldbergplatz. A midwifery school also added to the square’s importance.
The Feldbergplatz’s name however wasn’t always so straightforward. Originally named on April 23 1890 the Nazis renamed it Ludendorffplatz in 1940 after Erich Ludendorff. Its original name was restored in 1945 after the end of World War II.
Today Feldbergplatz offers a tranquil retreat. Numerous benches provide relaxing spots. Playgrounds and ping-pong tables cater to children and families. An outdoor public book exchange located southeast of the square adds a unique element. Since 1977 the Grüne Brücke the green bridge across the Rheinallee has provided easy access to the square.
The Feldbergplatz and the buildings surrounding it form a Denkmalzone. The buildings located at Am Zollhafen 3 5 and 10 Feldbergplatz 4 4a and 7 Frauenlobstraße 95 and 97 Hafenstraße 4 6 15/17 and 17 and Taunusstraße 23 33 and 37/39 all contribute to this historical ensemble. Other buildings nearby such as those at Am Zollhafen 12 also shaped the character of the Denkmalzone.
Among the significant structures here stands the Feldbergschule built around 1900. This school housed a primary school. Its impressive façade faces the Feldbergplatz. The building features four floors. The ground floor is a sturdy base. The top floor and roof have been rebuilt after war damage. The building’s ornamentation is in the Renaissance style. It originally boasted separate portals for boys and girls. Consoles with male and female heads adorned these portals. A brick-built gymnasium with stepped gables further enhanced the complex.
Next to it stands another important building. Number 4a was built five years later by architect and builder P Scheuren. This building had five floors plus a large basement. It once housed offices. Its façade is largely of sandstone. Elements of Art Nouveau style are prevalent. The building is distinctive thanks to its large bay window gables and ornate balconies.
Feldbergplatz 7 houses a two-story residential building built around 1900. It has a mansard roof. The building received three additional stories in 1959 after World War II air raids. Its spectacular entrance blends elements of late Gothic Art Nouveau and Renaissance styles. Original features such as the door leaf the transom above the door and the old inscription plate with volutes are still preserved.
Finally the Kaponniere V on the northeast side of the square deserves mention. Built in 1887 it’s a replica of the Kaponniere at Fischtorplatz. It was part of Mainz’s Rhine fortification system. Passages with embrasures allowed for pedestrian and vehicle traffic. The Kaponniere has a square layout and a tower with stairs. Both tower and Kaponniere are crenellated.
So next time you find yourselves at the Feldbergplatz remember this story of the square’s unique past. A blend of history architecture and community it’s a place worth exploring.