Groß-Gerau: Roman History and Apple Wine Trail

Roman History and Art at the City Museum

The permanent exhibition at the Groß-Gerau City Museum explores almost three centuries of Roman history in today’s Auf Esch district. It spans the period from the Augustan era to the beginning of the Migration Period. This means it focuses on a long stretch of time rather than just one chapter of Roman history. The museum’s official guided tours include “Groß-Gerau in Roman Times”.

Another section of the museum is devoted to the Groß-Gerau artist Wilhelm Altheim (1871–1914). Since 1 July 2014, it has displayed drawings, prints and paintings. His drawings in particular are permanently accessible in a cabinet exhibition during regular opening hours. In this way, the Roman past of what is now Auf Esch and the work of a later artist from Groß-Gerau come together at the city museum in different ways.

Local History, Crafts and the Town Church

The Crafts Museum focuses on trades that were once practised in Groß-Gerau. Old craft tools and archival materials from various trades illustrate the transition from purely manual work to the machine age. The building itself also tells a story of its use as a workshop: the museum is housed in the former workshop of a master carpenter, which later served as the locksmith’s workshop of his grandson, Adam Schaab. Those interested in everyday life and working history can explore the changes in crafts and technology here.

In the town centre, the Town Church is a listed monument and a witness to history. As a place of quiet, the spoken word and music, it hosts church services, devotions, concerts and celebrations marking the milestones of Christian life. Alongside the exhibitions, it is therefore another religious site at the heart of Groß-Gerau’s cultural life. The Fasanerie adds a further historical dimension: it was established between 1722 and 1726 as a former hunting reserve for the Dukes of Darmstadt and is fully protected as a historic monument.

Discover the Hessian Ried on the Ebbelwoi-Päädsche

The Apple Wine Trail connects the districts of Auf Esch and Wallerstädten over a distance of approximately 1.5 kilometres. Along the way, visitors can experience characteristic landscapes of the Hessian Ried and its regional apple wine culture. Information panels explain how the landscape formed and also introduce glacial drift sand dunes and changes caused by the course of the old Neckar River. The trail thus offers two different perspectives: on the history of the landscape and on a regional tradition.

Old cider apple varieties have also been planted in an orchard on the Ebbelwoi-Päädsche. They form the basis for the regionally typical apple wine. Together with the information about the landscape, this creates a distinct thematic focus for travellers who would like to explore natural and cultural history as well as museums. The stated distance of approximately 1.5 kilometres describes the length of the trail between the two districts; on its own, it does not indicate how long the walk takes.

Which Focus Suits Your Stay?

If you are primarily interested in the Roman past, the permanent exhibition and guided tour at the city museum are good places to start. Art lovers can also explore Wilhelm Altheim’s work there; the Crafts Museum, with its tools and archival materials, offers a look at the history of crafts and technology. If you would rather focus on the regional landscape and apple wine culture, you will find these themes along the Ebbelwoi-Päädsche. Depending on your interests, Groß-Gerau can therefore be a destination for a stay centred on culture, history or landscape. When looking for a holiday apartment in Groß-Gerau, consider which of these experiences you would like to shape your stay.

More places in the selection: Kelsterbach, Mörfelden-Walldorf, Büttelborn, Riedstadt, Raunheim, Rüsselsheim, Stockstadt am Rhein, Ginsheim-Gustavsburg.

For the main travel overview: Groß-Gerau.