Kastel on the Rhine beach
Kastel, picturesquely situated in the Rhine Valley, can look back on an impressive history dating back to Roman times.
The Roman wooden bridge
Between the twelfth and ninth centuries BC, the Roman general Drusus had a solid wooden bridge built to replace an earlier ship bridge. It connected the Roman settlement of Mogontiacum (today Mainz) with the Castellum Mattiacorum (today Kastel) and was of enormous strategic importance. The bridge secured control over the Rhine crossing, made it easier to advance into unoccupied areas and strengthened the Roman presence in the region.
Kastel - bridge between the state capitals
Kastel still acts as a bridge today: the districts of Amöneburg, Kastel and Kostheim (AKK) were assigned to Wiesbaden after the Second World War, although they previously belonged to Mainz. This special location offers many advantages: The residents benefit from Wiesbaden's infrastructure and opportunities, but retain their deeply rooted Mainz identity. The proximity to both cities promotes exchange in business, culture and club life and combines the advantages of Mainz tradition and Hessian dynamism.
The bridgehead community of Kastel connects the two state capitals of Wiesbaden and Mainz as well as the federal states of Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate. The view across the Rhine reveals the impressive silhouette of Mainz, with the striking cathedral as its landmark.
From war to renewal
Kastel was badly destroyed in 1944 during the Second World War, but reconstruction followed quickly. Today, the district has a modern character with well-developed commercial areas. The close connection to Mainz is particularly evident during carnival, when Kastel and Kostheim are traversed by a large carnival procession. But the district also offers a lively club life outside of the fifth season.
Recreation and culture on the Rhine
In the 18th century, the Reduit was built, a fortress which today houses the Kastel local history museum. The Kastel beach with its passing ships, restaurants and leisure facilities is also a popular destination for young and old.
A highlight in Kastel
Every year, Kastel becomes the stage for the Meeting of Styles, an international graffiti and urban art festival. Artists from all over the world transform large wall surfaces into impressive works of art.
From the statistics
Construction is going strong in Kastel: At 6.7 percent, the proportion of newly built apartments in the last five years is well above the Wiesbaden average of 3.4 percent.