Bad Ems

Germany

Thermal springs and a picturesque natural environment are the reason why this place, known to the Romans, has had great significance throughout history. The rise of Bad Ems to a prosperous spa town is reflected in individual, well-preserved buildings from the late 17th century, when the spa industry experienced a considerable boom. The most remarkable buildings from this period are the Kurhaus, the two large guest houses Mainzer Haus and Zu den vier Türmen as well as the Maria Königin chapel. The town is dominated by numerous buildings from the 19th century, when Bad Ems was one of the most important spa towns in Germany. Along the Römerstraße, which runs parallel to the right bank, several buildings from the time of the Duchy of Nassau have been preserved, including the famous Kursaal building and the Kurmittelhaus.

Today's townscape of Bad Ems is characterised by the large villas in Wilhelmsallee and the promenade on the left bank of the river, such as Schloss Balmoral and Villa Monrepos. The structures that have been preserved to this day include not only the actual spa buildings but also other facilities that were of great importance for the spa industry. The Malbergbahn, for example, is a typical 19th century leisure and recreation facility.

Over the centuries, this romantic place, nestling in a harmonious curve of the river Lahn, inspired numerous artists, regularly counted kings and tsars among its guests and was the background for the famous Emser Depesche (Ems Dispatch) in 1870, which triggered the Franco-Prussian War.

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