European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - February 10, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse Germany Here one can step into bygone luxury or Wallow in modern Day pampering by Jon Connor staff writer if visiting bad Homburg Don t expect to see the streets lined with people wearing those funny Felt hats called a Homburg that gangsters and Bankers popularized in Black and White movies from the 1930s. But Don t be surprised to see truffles chocolate in Small paper Homburg shaped hats either. Situated on the Edge of the richly forested Taurus mountains 11 Miles North of Frankfurt this 1,200-year old City thrives on its service oriented Industry while retaining links with the past Long since vanished from most of modern Europe. It is this past along with its famous spa services that will truly capture an outsider s attention. One site Worth exploring in this City of 52,000 is the White Tower. Built on the grounds of an earlier fortification during the end of the 14th Century the Tower was replaced several centuries later and surrounded by counts Landgrave Frederick ii of Hesse Homburg known to history As the Prince of Homburg created a baroque style Castle beginning in 1680 that was Home to his successors until the mid-1800s, when the principality was annexed by Prussia. From then until the end of world War i the crowned Heads of Europe amused themselves in gambling their riches away and attempting to find renewed health at the spas found at nearby Parks. For the aristocrats bad Homburg was a playground not to be forgotten. The area became the resort of Germany s movers and shakers and was often visited by the Prince of Wales before he became King Edward Vii. During one visit in the Early 1900s, Edward arrived wearing a new styled hat that became quite popular for years to come. This hat was called the Homburg. Visitors today can visit the White Tower but getting to the top can be a chore considering there Are 186 Steps to climb. Sorry there is no escalator once there five Small open windows Are available to View the area facing All directions. There even is a Bench to catch your breath. A few blocks Southwest of the Castle Are pedestrian zones containing stores shops cafes and restaurants including a pizza hut. The businesses Many located off Louise Strasse the town s main Street provide a sense of vitality that does t diminish the Charm of this old romantic town. One popular cafe Peter Kofler offers truffles in Homburg shaped hats along with other bakery treats. Whether it s an italian Spanish or German cuisine Good of pizza hut or any other number of european delights this area will satisfy your hunger. One area Well Worth exploring is the Kur Park. Just one Block North off Kaiser Friedrich promenade Street located parallel to Louise Stra Sekur Park offers its famous health spa facilities along with a Casino As its main draws. The onion dome of the russian Chapel is sure to catch the Eye of visitors strolling through the City Park the two were designed to go hand in hand. In 1834 development of the natural hot Springs for health purposes began and seven years later a Casino was built. Taking the Kur or cure is designed to replenish the body and soul. Spas not Only allow one to Bathe in warmth Many today offer an exercising program to tone up massages Mas weight reduction cosmetic and skin treatments under professional guidance. Such care is available at Kaiser Wilhelms bad emperor William s Bath facility in the Park. Fronted by a spacious Beautiful Flower Garden the building resembles a Cross Between a Hospital and state capitols found in the United states. It is not uncommon to find venerable German citizens filling out forms to Check in and take advantage of this treatment As part of Germany s health care plan. During the evening visitors can find contrast from the relaxation by spending their time and Money seeking risks and thrills at the Casino. Bad Homburg s Casino claims it is the Mother of Monte reaping the Success of 25 years running the Casino during the mid-1800s, Frenchman Francois Blanc and continued on Page 10 february 70, 1994 stripes Magazine 9
