Rosenau

In the 13th century, the Teutonic Knights acquired land southwest of Nuremberg. This land became Rosenau Park. They established gardens, a fish pond, and a bleachery. This bleachery gave the area its original name, Deutschherrenbleiche. The bleaching process was fascinating. Natural fibers like linen, hemp, and cotton had a yellowish-brown hue. They needed bleaching before dyeing. Cloths were spread on lawns, kept moist, and exposed to light and air for weeks. Sometimes, wood ash or even urine was used to speed up the process. Bleaching was big business in Nuremberg. Around 1500, the city boasted three major bleacheries, including Deutschherrenbleiche. There were also a dozen smaller operations. The Teutonic Knights eventually lost their influence. Their land, including Deutschherrenbleiche, became Bavarian property in 1806. It was incorporated into Nuremberg in 1825. Businessman Johann David Wiß bought the area in 1827. He transformed it into a massive amusement park. He added bridges, a grotto, a restaurant, and a Chinese-style dance pavilion. This exclusive park was only for the paying upper class. Wiß built himself a Moorish-style villa, the “Alhambra,” on the island in the pond. He renamed the park “Rosenau” after his wife, Rosina Alix. A less romantic version suggests he named it after Rosenau Castle near Coburg, birthplace of Prince Albert. Wiß’s amusement park didn’t last. Forty years later, the “Alhambra” was demolished due to disrepair. The park itself was almost converted into building land. Eventually, Rosenau returned to the city of Nuremberg. It was opened to the public and used for events like concerts, dances, and fireworks displays. Rosenau Park was almost completely destroyed during World War II. Today’s smaller park is a local recreation area. The characteristic pond is gone, filled in due to the drying up of its tributaries after increasing development in the surrounding area. The Minnesänger Fountain, created by Philipp Kittler, is a symbol of Rosenau Park. Originally placed in 1905, it was relocated to Rosenau after the war.