Paradies

Centuries ago, simple folk cast their nets into the shimmering waters of the Seerhein, right here in Paradies. Paradies wasn’t always part of Konstanz. It started as a humble fishing and farming village known as Eggehusen. The name “Paradies” originates from a convent of Poor Clares, the claustrum Paradysi apud Constantiam, established around 1186. These nuns dedicated their lives to prayer and caring for the sick. Imagine them, tending their small gardens, their voices rising in hymns across this very land. Although the nuns moved to Schlatt near Schaffhausen in 1253, the evocative name “Paradies” remained. In the 17th century, Paradies became part of Konstanz’s defenses. A new earth wall and ditch, the Saubach, were constructed, encompassing Paradies within the city’s protective embrace. Two towers stood guard: the Grießeggturm and the charmingly named Paradieser Schlössle. The farmers of Paradies once cultivated the land between today’s B 33 (Europastraße) and the old city walls, supplying Konstanz with fresh produce. The area west of Paradies, known as Tägermoos, played a crucial role. Although owned by Konstanz, this land was under Swiss administration. It became a vital agricultural resource for Paradies as residential development encroached on its fields. Life in Paradies evolved with the times. The number of vegetable farmers dwindled from 25 in 1969 to just eight in 2006. The last cattle farmer ceased operations in 1994. Paradies transitioned from a rural village to a bustling suburb. A quirky piece of Paradies history involves the local bus route. Until 2004, the number 10 bus ran from the city cemetery to Paradies. The destination sign, “Friedhof—Paradies” (Cemetery—Paradise), was a popular photo opportunity. Today, Paradies is a thriving district of Konstanz, a testament to its enduring spirit. It is a place where the echoes of nuns’ hymns mingle with the sounds of modern life. The spirit of the Poor Clares’ “paradise” lives on in this vibrant community.