Rastatt – City of Peace
Mayors reveal their insider tips in the deutschland.de series “My city”. Part 10: Mayor Hans Jürgen Pütsch from Rastatt.
Mr Pütsch, what is special about your city?
In the Baroque city of Rastatt we have probably the two most beautiful palaces on the Upper Rhine. Global history was written in the Residential Palace – which is preserved in its original form in the heart of the city – with the signing of the Rastatt Peace 300 years ago. We are celebrating the anniversary of this epoch-making peace event in 2014 with a programme offering lots of diversity. Rastatt also has unique natural landscapes to offer. One true jewel on its doorstep is the Rastatter Rheinauen, the floodplains on the Rhine.
What do you see when you look out of your office window?
The wonderfully beautiful baroque church of St. Alexander and the historic Alexius Fountain in the middle of our marketplace.
Where in your city do you most like to spend your time?
I like to be out in the countryside best, in the Ötigheimer Forest, on the banks of the Rhine or the River Murg, which gently flows through the town.
Which of your city’s personalities do you value most?
Margravine Sibylla Augusta, who was Regent of the Margravate of Baden-Baden from 1707 until 1727. It is impressive that a woman was able to take on such a prominent position at this time. Her practical and social reconstruction work for the Baden region and for Rastatt itself still makes itself felt today.
What would you like to show tourists?
If you have the opportunity, don't only go into the Palace, go onto its roof, too. You have a unique view over the city all the way to France from up there.
Where can visitors best get to know the people in your city?
The best time to experience the people of Rastatt's warmth and hospitality is during the tête-à-tête international street theatre festival. The whole town goes mad in the most positive sense every two years when Rastatt's streets and squares are transformed into a top-class stage for street theatre. The next festival is coming up between 27 May and 1 June 2014, by the way. The way the people enjoy themselves in our city is contagious. What better way is there to get to know each other than to laugh together?
And where do you most like to spend your vacations?
Preferably in the mountains, either skiing or hiking. Fortunately, the Black Forest is right on our doorstep!
Ceremony commemorating the 300th anniversary of the Rastatt Peace, 6 March 2014
