Bad Kreuznach Castle Park is a charming combination of historic landscape park and cultural center, located at the foot of the Kauzenberg mountain and forming a "quiet island of exotic plants" in the middle of the city.
The Historical Background of the Park
Origins as a manor: The history of the site stretches back a long way. As early as 1605, it was mentioned in a city council protocol as "Bangert" or "Baumgarten," a medieval country estate.
From manor to landscape park: In the 18th century, Princess Henriette Amalie of Anhalt-Dessau acquired the property and had the so-called Amalienschlösschen (a castle-like manor house in the neoclassical style) built there.
Landscape park: In the 19th century, the estate was transformed by various owners, including the von Recum and Puricelli families, into a romantic landscape park with mature trees, numerous plants, and a picturesque pond. The pond dates back to the time when a moated castle stood on this site.
Historical Relics: A memorial column for Jeanette Freifrau von Recum, whose heart was kept in an urn on the column, still stands in the park.
2. The Schlosspark Museum (Amalienschlösschen)
The central building in the park is the former manor house, which now houses the Schlosspark Museum. It is a cultural focal point for Bad Kreuznach:
Collections: The museum displays collections on art and city history, as well as exhibitions of contemporary art.
Cauer Family: A highlight are the sculptures of the Cauer family of sculptors from Bad Kreuznach (four generations, beginning with Emil Cauer the Elder).
City History: One focus is on the history of the Bangert manor and the portrayal of Bad Kreuznach as a leading spa town in the 19th century.
Hunting Room / Wedding Room: The historically authentic, wood-paneled hunting room was designed at the end of the 19th century by an interior designer for King Ludwig II of Bavaria for the Puricelli family. Today, it serves as a popular wedding venue in the city.
3. Connection to the Kauzenberg and spa resorts
Location: The palace gardens are located at the foot of the Kauzenberg, where the Kauzenburg Castle (now a hotel-restaurant) stands. A winding path leads from the park up to the Kauzenberg and offers a fantastic view.
Close to the Salinental Valley: Although the palace gardens are a separate entity, they are in close proximity to the spa facilities and the famous Salinental Valley, Europe's largest open-air inhalation facility. A walk along the panoramic path from the palace gardens can lead to the Salinental Valley.
The park is open year-round and freely accessible, serving as a haven of peace and tranquility.