From this balcony you have a stunning view. The Balkon am Großberg offers a breathtaking panorama. Look down and you see Mainz spread before you. The city’s skyline stretches into the distance. You can even glimpse the Frankfurt skyline and the Taunus mountains. This viewpoint’s location is special. It’s in the Weisenau district just south of the A60 motorway. It is about four kilometers southeast of Mainz Hauptbahnhof.
The Großberg area has a rich history. It wasn’t always a residential area. Before the 1930s it was farmland. Then during a time of great unemployment and housing shortages a new residential area was built. The Großbergsiedlung housing estate emerged. It offered 325 housing units. Around 900 people found homes there. The people who built these homes were largely unemployed. They worked hard. Many were sent to demolish old army buildings in Mainz. The materials were then reused. They even used handcarts and railway tracks borrowed from a brickworks. The city provided them with free lunches. It’s a testament to community effort.
The Großbergsiedlung was not immune to the ravages of World War II. The area suffered significant damage. Many homes were damaged. Many residents faced the huge task of rebuilding. Acquiring building materials was a huge challenge. Two local officials. Max Hufschmidt and Alexander Diehl. They played crucial roles in assisting the residents through this difficult time. The residents eventually received ownership of their homes in 1953. It was a significant moment of relief and accomplishment.
Today the Balkon am Großberg remains a testament to resilience. It is a place where the past and present intertwine. The panoramic view serves as a constant reminder of the history. It shows the spirit of community that built this neighborhood. Take a moment to soak in the view. Appreciate the beauty of Mainz and the legacy of the Großbergsiedlung.