Darmstadt

Darmstadt is a city in the Bundesland (federal state) Hesse in Germany. The origins of the name are unknown. The name Darmstadt first appears towards the end of the 11th century, then as Darmundestat. Literally translated, Darmstadt means "Intestine City", but this is just a coincidence. Locals often believe, that the name derives from the 'Darmbach' (a small stream formerly running through the city). In fact the stream received its current name much later, after the city.

Darmstadt was the capital of an independent country (the Grand Duchy of Hesse). The ducal palace of Darmstadt is located in the city centre. Architecture of Darmstadt has been influenced by British and Russian imperial architecture with many examples still existing, such as the Luisenplatz (the central square of the city) with its 33-metre column commemorating Ludwig I (called Langer Lui, meaning Long Ludwig), and the old Hessian State Theatre.

Darmstadt was a centre of the Art Nouveau movement. Surviving examples of the Jugendstil period include the Rosenhöhe, a landscaped English-style rose garden from the 19th century, the Mathildenhöhe, the Russian Chapel in Darmstadt and large exhibition halls. Important square of the city is the Marktplatz near the old city hall.

The city has a high density of parks. The most important park is the English style Herrngarten in central Darmstadt. In former times it was part of the Royal Gardens, and today it is a public park. Other important park is the French style parks Prinz-Georgs-Garten and Orangerie.

Nowadays Darmstadt holds the official title "Wissenschaftsstadt" (City of Science) as it is a major centre of scientific institutions, universities and high technology companies in Germany. (Lern more: wikipedia)