Stadtgarten (City Gardens)

The attractive Stadtgarten is the largest green space in the city centre area. Its central position, its stock of old trees and splendid flowers and shrubs make it a popular recreation place for tourists and residents. In addition to spacious sunbathing lawns, a pond with a fountain and two play areas are particular attractions. The creation of the Stadtgarten dates back to a private initiative of Essen citizens in 1864, who had founded "Essener gemeinnützige Aktiengesellschaft" ('Essen non-profit stock corporation') to finance the 'municipal gardens'. In 1881, the Stadtgarten became municipal property and is therefore Essen's oldest public park. As the largest park in the city centre, the Stadtgarten is of tremendous value for the population – it is a prestigious front garden with cosmopolitan flair for the adjacent cultural and service facilities. The Stadtgarten is a prime example of nature and culture in Essen being located very close together: beautiful, centrally located nature meets the fine arts – here in the form of the Aalto Theatre, the Philharmonic Concert Hall and a large number of works of art.