Rottweil – carnival centre with a long history
Mayors reveal their insider tips in the deutschland.de series “My city”. Part 9: Mayor Ralf Bross from Rottweil.
Mr. Bross, what is special about your city?
Rottweil is a very old town, which was founded by the Romans during the 1st century A.D. The people of Rottweil are very proud of that and their medieval townscape. At the same time, however, Rottweil is also a town that has opened itself up for modern developments, whether in the fields of culture, architecture or when it comes to our economic innovativeness. ThyssenKrupp’s planned test and development tower for high-speed lifts epitomizes this spirit of economic optimism in Rottweil.
What do you see when you look out of your office window?
I am very fortunate, because I have a beautiful view of Rottweil’s “parlour”: the pedestrian precinct lined by old town houses with oriel windows and the trademark of our town, the Black Gate. This is where thousands of carnival revellers stream into the town during the “Narrensprung”, Rottweil’s famous jesters’ parade.
Where in your city do you most like to spend your time?
I most enjoy strolling through the narrow medieval alleys that constantly provide views of the old church spires and historical fountains and also reflect the past of our town in small architectural details.
Which of your city’s personalities do you value most?
Most of all I appreciate Erich Hauser, the resolute artist who overcame considerable resistance to bring contemporary art to public spaces in Rottweil during the 1970s. What was then unique between Stuttgart and Zurich is now not only taken for granted, but also one of our town’s unique selling points.
What would you like to show tourists?
The viewing platform on the Hochturm, the tower that still remains from the time of the Staufers. From there you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of our town that also presents a picturesque panorama of the Black Forest, the Swabian Mountains and the Upper Neckar Valley.
Where can visitors best get to know the people of your city?
In winter, of course, I first think of Rottweiler Fasnet, our carnival festivities with their centuries-old traditions. The town is then full of cheerful people enjoying the old jesters’ costumes and customs. But a journey to Rottweil is also worthwhile for other cultural highlights, such as the jazz festival, the Sommersprossen classical music festival and Rottweiler Ferienzauber with visiting international stars.
2014 Rottweiler Narrensprung at 8 a.m. on Monday, 3 March and Tuesday, 4 March
