Wiesbaden

Spa town and capital of Hesse, Germany, on the River Rhine 20 km/12 mi west of Frankfurt; population (2005 est) 274,600. Products include cement, plastics, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and electrical components. Printing, publishing, and film making are important. Most of the German sparkling wine cellars are in this area (a sparkling wine Sekt is produced here). Tourism is an important part of the local economy. The city is a cosmopolitan resort and has a casino and sporting facilities. Wiesbaden was the capital of the former duchy of Nassau from the 12th century until 1866.

Wiesbaden has been known as a spa and health resort since Roman times; its springs are the Aquae Mattiacorum mentioned by Pliny. Parts of its ancient walls are thought to date from the time of Diocletian. There is a palace (1837–40), which was the seat of the Duke of Nassau until 1866 and was subsequently a residence of the German Emperor. There is an earlier baroque palace (1698–1744) 5 km/3 mi to the south. There is a congress and exhibition center, the State Theatre, and museums. There is an annual music festival held in May.