Ever wondered how a town can be both a central hub and a peaceful retreat? Welcome to Kelkheim-Mitte. It is the heart of Kelkheim. It is a town of contrasts and connections.
Kelkheim-Mitte’s story starts long ago. The first written record of Kelkheim was in 880. It was called Kadelcamf back then. Over time, the name evolved. It became Cadelcanf then Kadelcamp. Names like Cadercamp, Calcamp, and Kalcamp followed. By 1492, it settled on Kelckheim.
For centuries, Kelkheim and Hornau were linked. Since the 9th century, they belonged to Frankfurt’s Bartholomäusstift. This foundation entrusted the Vogtei Kelkheim to noble families. First, the Eppsteins held it. After they died out in 1535, the Stolbergs took over.
In 1581, Kurmainz gained control of Königstein. By 1594, they bought all Vogteirechte from the Bartholomäusstift. This move pushed back the influence of the Landgrafen von Hessen. They had acquired rights in the area back in 1492. With the end of the Erzstift Mainz in 1802 and 1803, the villages became part of Nassau-Usingen.
Kelkheim-Mitte is not just an old village. The town of Kelkheim was formed in 1938. Hornau and Münster were joined. Kelkheim became the town’s name. It sat in the middle of the three villages.
Since becoming the town center, Kelkheim-Mitte has grown. Three more districts were added in 1977. Now, Kelkheim-Mitte has the most important city buildings. Yet, it also has quiet residential areas. Many single-family homes line these streets.
Originally, Kelkheim was a street village. It stretched along the Liederbach’s west bank. But the main street lost importance in the 1950s. The Frankfurter Straße took over. It ran parallel to the west. This shift connected the three districts. They had been separated by open spaces. The Frankfurter Straße became a link. Three to four-story buildings and shops created a city feel. The Hauptstraße kept its village charm.
Two cross-streets connect Frankfurter Straße and Hauptstraße. These are Bahnstraße and Frankenallee. They form more retail spots. The “Neue Stadtmitte” around Frankenallee was started in the early 1980s. It stands on land once used for parking.
Plans for the Stadtmitte Nord changed over time. Construction began in May 2007. It finished in 2009. Hochtief AG invested in the project. The Stadtmitte Nord has shops. It also has apartments and the city library. A supermarket and a senior residence are there too. Markets are held on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Kelkheim-Mitte has seen changes in population over the centuries. In 1583, there were 42 houses. By 1648 after some rough times only 10 houses remained. In 1730, the village had 211 residents. By 2021, Kelkheim-Mitte was home to 8,897 people.
In 1885, most people in Kelkheim were Catholic. Around 97 percent were Catholic. Only 3 percent were Protestant.
Today, Kelkheim-Mitte is a blend of old and new. It is a place where history meets modern life. Kelkheim-Mitte remains a vibrant and evolving part of Kelkheim.