Considering a place that housed Roman soldiers, then German dragoons, and later American troops? That place is Hallschlag. It is a district within Stuttgart’s Bad Cannstatt. Hallschlag boasts a rich history.
Hallschlag’s story stretches back millennia. Around 90 to 150 AD, Romans built a fort here. This “Kastell Cannstatt” was a key military hub. It supported the middle Neckar region. Later, around 1908, a Dragoner Barracks arose on the Roman fort’s foundations.
After World War II, American forces occupied the barracks. For years, the complex lacked clear uses. Today, the Römerkastell houses a media center. It includes film, music, and other media outlets. You’ll also find apartments and restaurants here.
The name Hallschlag carries its own story. In the 15th century, the area was known as Hallschlatterweg. “Hal” meant brine spring in Celtic. “Schlatt” described a dried swamp.
Hallschlag saw significant development in the early 20th century. Around 1910, the area began to repopulate. The construction of the Reiterkaserne buildings began. After World War I, Stuttgart faced a housing shortage. Hallschlag became a solution. The flat plateau was ideal for large-scale housing projects.
Between 1921 and 1931, around 1,000 new apartments appeared. These buildings spanned approximately 10.5 hectares. The Hallschlagsiedlung emerged in the areas “Am Römerkastell” and “Auf der Steig”. This area aimed to house refugees and war veterans. Due to budget constraints, the buildings used standardized designs. In 1941, another 500 apartments were built.
Social housing continued here until the 1960s. Modernization projects began, adding amenities. In the 1970s, Hallschlag joined a modernization program. These updates included showers and gas heating. Smaller apartments were merged to create family-sized homes.
North of Hallschlagsiedlung, Daimler-Benz built housing complexes. They added about 1,200 apartments. Social housing defines Hallschlag’s buildings. Today, most belong to SWSG. The buildings share a distinct uniformity. Renovations have occurred. However, many buildings still need modernization. Green spaces are a defining feature. Lush greenery and old trees dot the area.
Hallschlag also has religious significance. The Steigfriedhof is Stuttgart’s oldest preserved cemetery. It originated in the Frankish era. Also, Hallschlag is home to a Jewish cemetery. It was established in the 1930s. This became necessary because the original Jewish cemetery in Stuttgart was too small.
The district has evolved. Hallschlag faced challenges. Yet, it’s also experienced renewal. Today, Hallschlag is transforming. It blends history, housing, and community. The district reflects Stuttgart’s dynamic spirit. From ancient settlements to modern homes, Hallschlag’s story continues.