Ever wondered what this striking red building is? This is the Gredhaus. It stands proudly on the shore of Meersburg. Its story is deeply intertwined with the town’s history and trade.
The Gredhaus first appeared in historical records in 1498. Hugo von Hohenlandenberg, Bishop of Constance, sold it to Meersburg. The town was required to use it as a Kaufhaus. This meant a trading house.
Shortly after, between 1505 and 1509, the Gredhaus was rebuilt. For centuries it served as the town’s central hub for trade and storage. Many German cities built Kaufhäuser in the Late Middle Ages. This centralized trade for easier control and tax collection.
For Meersburg, the grain trade with Switzerland was especially important until the late 18th century. The Gredhaus facilitated this vital exchange. The name “Gredhaus” comes from the Latin word “gradus”. Gradus means step. It refers to the step-like galleries where goods were displayed.
In the 1850s the harbor in front of the Gredhaus was expanded. This allowed steamships to dock safely. The old landing place at the “Wilden Mann” lost importance.
The Gredhaus was modernized in 1899. Large windows were added at this time. The coat of arms was moved from the inner courtyard to the outer front. It combines the arms of Bishop Hugo von Hohenlandenberg and the town of Meersburg. The year 1505 is also displayed beneath the bishop’s mitre.
Bishop Hugo von Hohenlandenberg played a significant role in Meersburg’s history. He was born around 1460 and died in 1532. He served as Bishop of Constance. Tired of the rebellious citizens of Konstanz, he moved his residence to Meersburg in 1526. He developed Meersburg Castle into a permanent episcopal residence.
The Gredhaus not only facilitated trade but also witnessed changes in Meersburg’s political landscape. In the 19th century, the Gredhaus served as Meersburg’s customs house. Today the Bodensee-Schiffsbetriebe or Lake Constance shipping services are located here. The Gredhaus remains a focal point of Meersburg. It is a reminder of its rich past and its continuing connection to Lake Constance.