Once a symbol of Jewish life in Bamberg, Villa Wassermann stands before us. It echoes with stories of family, finance, and tragic loss. Today, we will delve into its history. We’ll uncover the layers of time that have shaped this impressive building.
The Villa Wassermann owes its name to the Wassermann family. This Jewish banking family settled in Bamberg around 1849. They were not just any family. They cultivated close ties with the Bavarian royal house. This connection eventually led to their ennoblement in 1910. They were granted hereditary nobility for their services.
Angelo Wassermann founded the A. E. Wassermann bank in 1880. The bank quickly flourished. It played a vital role in the industrialization of northeastern Upper Franconia. The bank also promoted German export interests. These interests extended to Greece and the Ottoman Empire. The Wassermann bank expanded with branches in Berlin, Brussels, and Vienna. In 1884, the bank granted a loan to the Royal Bavarian Treasury. It was a substantial loan of ten million gold marks.
Angelo Wassermann commissioned a city villa in the Maximilian style in 1877. Caspar Dennefeld was the architect. The location was Hainstrasse 19, near the New Synagogue. Angelo filled his home with antiques. He bought treasures from all over Europe. He also included family heirlooms and gifts. Some of these items are now in the “Jewish in Bamberg” section of a museum. They remind us of art theft during the Nazi era. They also commemorate Angelo von Wassermann’s collection.
The A. E. Wassermann bank became significant beyond Bamberg. It supported industries in Upper Franconia. It provided capital for new and existing industrial companies. The bank helped promote the textile and basketry industries. It also boosted hop trading in Bamberg and Upper Franconia. The Wassermann Bank held shares in many factories. These factories were located throughout Bavaria and Germany.
In 1903, the Wassermann family acquired a magnificent property. It belonged to the Marschalk von Ostheim family. It was located at Sophienstrasse 1. This is now Will-Lessing-Strasse 1. After Angelo and Emil Wassermann died, their nephews took over. Albert and Julius Wassermann managed the Bamberg headquarters.
However, tragedy struck during the Nazi era. In 1939, Julius Wassermann died. His wife Elsa and their daughters Alice and Edith were expelled from their home. In November 1941, they were deported to Riga. There, they were murdered.
In front of the Villa Wassermann, you might notice Stolpersteine. These “stumbling stones” commemorate Elsa, Edith, and Alice Wassermann. They serve as a stark reminder of their fate. These stones bear their names and the dates of their murder.
Today, the Villa Wassermann has been largely restored. The current owner, Andrea Hochmuth, deserves recognition. She received the Bavarian Monument Protection Medal for her efforts. Thanks to her dedication, the Villa Wassermann stands as a testament to Bamberg’s Jewish history.
However, the villa faces a threat. Increased traffic and bus stops cause significant vibrations. These vibrations have led to deep cracks in the building. There is concern that the historical landmark is being damaged.
The Villa Wassermann is more than just a building. It is a symbol of a family’s rise. It is a reminder of a community’s contributions. It is also a memorial to a devastating loss. It stands as a reminder of Bamberg’s past.