Is it possible to imagine a place where Neanderthals once roamed and modern industries thrive? That place is Kreis Mettmann a district brimming with history and innovation.
Kreis Mettmann is located in the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is a region where ancient valleys meet modern cityscapes. This district has a story etched into its very soil.
Let’s explore the past of Kreis Mettmann. In the 12th century the area became the property of the earldom Berg. Napoleon occupied the area in 1792. It became a canton in the arrondissement Düsseldorf. After the Congress of Vienna in 1816 the area went to Prussia. The first district Mettmann was created. Over the years the district changed. It merged with others and shifted its administrative seat. Finally in 1975 and 1976 the district got its old name back.
The geography of Kreis Mettmann is also interesting. It lies south of the Ruhr area near big cities like Dusseldorf. The valley of the river Düssel stands out. Here fossils of Neanderthals were found. This discovery gave the Neanderthals their name.
The coat of arms tells a story. The red lion with a blue tongue symbolizes the earldom Berg. The black border displays symbols of the district’s industries. These are lock production and agriculture.
Today Kreis Mettmann is the most densely populated rural district in Germany. About 490251 people live here. They live on just 407.09 square kilometers. The district consists of 10 towns including Erkrath Haan and Mettmann.
Despite its dense population Kreis Mettmann has much nature. Over 70 percent of its area is natural. About 44 percent is especially protected. This blend of urban and natural makes it a great place to live.
The district also has a strong economy. Many companies are based here. These include firms in laboratory development computer technology and metal processing. This economic diversity contributes to the region’s appeal.
Mettmann itself has a rich history. The name “Mettmann” comes from “Medaman-aha”. This means “at the middle brook”. The settlement was first mentioned in 904 as “Medamana”.
In 1363 Mettmann was the seat of an administrative office. It was one of eight in the Bergisches Land. The town had its own city wall until the Thirty Years’ War. Parts of this wall can still be seen today.
In August 1424 Duke Adolf VII raised Mettmann to a freedom. This granted significant tax and market privileges. These privileges helped the town’s economy.
Even in modern times Mettmann faced challenges. In 1933 the Villa Koburg became a collection point for the SA. It served as a torture cellar. A memorial now stands in Lavalplatz. It honors the victims.
During World War II two bombers crashed in Mettmann. The Royal Air Force lost a Wellington bomber in Metzkausen in 1943. Later that year a British Halifax bomber crashed near Gut Benninghof.
After the war Mettmann rebuilt. The seat of the district returned to the city in 1954. The medieval city center was transformed starting in the 1960s.
Today Mettmann continues to evolve. The Königshof-Galerie is a modern shopping center. New residential and commercial buildings have been constructed. The city aims to improve the quality of life for its residents.
Kreis Mettmann stands as a testament to time. Its blend of ancient history industrial strength and natural beauty make it special. From Neanderthals to modern innovation this district offers a unique glimpse into Germany’s past and future.