Rodung! The word echoes through the centuries here at Gro\u00dfreuth hinter der Veste. We’re standing in a place with roots stretching back to the 11th or 12th century. Gro\u00dfreuth began as a clearing. It was initiated by the royal court of Nuremberg.
Gro\u00dfreuth hinter der Veste. The name itself tells a story. “Reuth” signifies a clearing. “Hinter der Veste” distinguishes it from Kleinreuth near Schweinau. It also highlights its location beyond the city walls. It is north of the castle.
Even today, Gro\u00dfreuth retains a village feel. This is despite the traffic along Kilianstrasse. You can still spot sandstone farmhouses and inns. Many date back to the early 18th century. These buildings line Gro\u00dfreuther Stra\u00dfe. Most are well-restored. Look for the Landgasthaus “Zum Lutzgarten”. It is a standout example.
In 1375, Gro\u00dfreuth was first mentioned in documents. It was called “von der grozzen Rewt.” The village faced destruction more than once. The First and Second Margrave Wars took their toll. The Thirty Years’ War also brought devastation. But each time, the people of Gro\u00dfreuth rebuilt their homes.
Once, 30 properties stood in Gro\u00dfreuth hinter der Veste. Nuremberg held high jurisdiction. Brandenburg-Bayreuth’s Oberamt Baiersdorf contested this. The Landpflegamt Nuremberg oversaw village affairs. Various Nuremberg landowners held property here. These included the Landesalmosenamt and the Pfinzing-Stiftung. The von F\u00fcrer, von Grundherr, and von Haller families also owned estates.
In 1796, Gro\u00dfreuth hinter der Veste became Prussian. The Justiz- und Kammeramt Erlangen managed it. By 1810, it was part of Bavaria. In 1813, the Gro\u00dfreuth hinter der Veste tax district formed. It included Herrnh\u00fctte, Kleinreuth, Neuhaus, Thon, and Ziegelstein. That same year, the rural communities of Gro\u00dfreuth hinter der Veste and Thon were established. Gro\u00dfreuth included Herrnh\u00fctte, Kleinreuth, Neuhaus, and Ziegelstein.
Gro\u00dfreuth was eventually incorporated into the city of Nuremberg. This happened on January 1, 1899.
The area is known for its agriculture. Traditionally, land north of the houses is used for vegetable growing. Allotment gardeners also use it as a club area. Kilianstrasse runs south of the old village center. Commercial buildings from the 1970s to 1990s line this street.
The Gasthaus Zum Lutzgarten has a rich history. From 1830 to 1933, it hosted the “Morgengesellschaft.” This was a gathering of Nuremberg’s commercial elite. They met for their morning coffee.
Today, Gro\u00dfreuth is mainly shaped by its Lutheran heritage. Historically, it was part of St. Sebald parish. Later, it belonged to St. Johannis. Now, it is part of St. Matth\u00e4us. Roman Catholic residents belong to St. Martin parish.
Gro\u00dfreuth hinter der Veste. A place where rural traditions meet urban life. A testament to resilience and community.