“Ouwo’s settlement” is what Ettlingenweier roughly translates to. Ettlingenweier is a part of Ettlingen. It is a special place with a long history. Today, we will explore Ettlingenweier together.
Ettlingenweier’s story begins in Roman times. Around the first century, people settled here. Evidence shows that this area was inhabited very early.
Around 1100, Ettlingenweier was mentioned in a document. It was a donation to Hirsau Monastery. Over the centuries, ownership changed hands. Eventually, the Margraviate of Baden gained control through the Counts of Eberstein.
In 1307, the Margraves of Baden created the Weier district. This district included Ettlingenweier, Bruchhausen, and Oberweier. Ettlingenweier led this district for about 500 years. A bailiff and court managed the area.
In 1809, a major reform occurred. The Grand Duchy of Baden separated the district’s municipalities for police matters. Later, in 1822, the administrative split into individual towns happened.
On October 1, 1974, Ettlingenweier became part of Ettlingen. This happened through an incorporation agreement. It was part of a larger communal reform.
The name Ettlingenweier comes from “O(u)wo” and “Weiler.” “Weiler” means settlement. “Ouwo” was likely a noble who founded the village. This founding probably happened in the 7th century. It was during the time of the Frankish land grab. Ettlingen expanded, creating new settlements like Ettlingenweier.
Ettlingenweier has its own symbol. The coat of arms features a blue abbot’s staff. It also shows two blue-seeded roses with green sepals. This coat of arms was adopted in 1902. The abbot’s staff represents the Reichenbach and Frauenalb monasteries. These monasteries had old holdings in the town. The Eberstein roses were added because the Lords of Eberstein were mistakenly thought to be lords of the town.
Ettlingenweier values education. The Erich Kästner Elementary School is located here. There is also the Catholic St. Elisabeth Kindergarten.
The school has a special history. Maria Blasel, a widow, left 40,000 marks in her will. This donation allowed Ettlingenweier to build a new school. The school was dedicated on June 6, 1909. People wanted to name the school after her. Instead, they named the street after her husband, Georg Blasel.
The St. Dionysius Church is a focal point of Ettlingenweier. A church was first mentioned in 1150. It was dedicated to St. Dionysius. He was a martyr from the 3rd century and the first bishop of Paris.
The original Gothic church served until 1788. Then, it was mostly torn down. Only the tower walls remained. The cemetery around the church was replaced with a new one.
The citizens found Ignaz Krohmer’s plans too expensive. So, Jakob Ulrich created a simpler design. The new building was completed in 1788.
By the late 19th century, the church was too small. From 1903 to 1906, the church was expanded. The Archdiocese of Karlsruhe planned the expansion. Three semicircular conches were added. This gave the church its current form.
The high altar dates back to 1731. It originally stood in the Ettlingen Palace chapel. The organ, built in 1741, came from Frauenalb. The pulpit, made around 1760, came from Kuppenheim. Only the side altars were made specifically for the Ettlingenweier church.
A complete renovation took place in 1974. The goal was to bring the altar closer to the congregation. This change reflected the Second Vatican Council’s liturgy. The restoration of the paintings from 1906 was a major undertaking. From 1974 to 1977, the wooden floor was removed. Marble slabs were cleaned and reinstalled. Further renovations happened both inside and outside the church.
The church has four bells. The Kurtz bell foundry in Stuttgart cast them. One bell was cast in 1948. The others followed in 1955 and 1958.
Ettlingenweier has a vibrant community life. There are sports clubs. These include the Gymnastics Club, the Table Tennis Club, and the Football Club. Cultural associations also exist. There is the Frohsinn Singing Club and the Music Club. Political groups include the CDU and SPD. The Cäcilienverein is a church association. The German Red Cross has a local branch. The Volunteer Fire Brigade ensures fire protection. The GroKaGe carnival association and the Fruit and Horticulture Association add to the community spirit.
Ettlingenweier, a place with Roman roots, has grown. From its early mention in 1100 to its incorporation into Ettlingen in 1974, Ettlingenweier has retained its unique identity. Its church and school testify to its enduring spirit. This is Ettlingenweier.