Hanau is a town in the Main-Kinzig-Kreis, in Hessen, Germany.
Hanau is a town in the Main-Kinzig-Kreis, in Hessen, Germany.

It is located 25 km east of Frankfurt am Main. Its station is a major railway
It is located 25 km east of Frankfurt am Main. Its station is a major railway

junction. Hanau is famous for being the birthplace of Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm.
junction. Hanau is famous for being the birthplace of Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm.

In 1963, the town hosted the third Hessentag state festival. Until 2005,
In 1963, the town hosted the third Hessentag state festival. Until 2005,

Hanau was the administrative centre of the Main-Kinzig-Kreis.
Hanau was the administrative centre of the Main-Kinzig-Kreis.

Geography The historic core of Hanau is situated
Geography The historic core of Hanau is situated

within a semicircle of the river Kinzig which flows into the river Main just
within a semicircle of the river Kinzig which flows into the river Main just

west of the town. Today, after a substantial expansion during the 19th
west of the town. Today, after a substantial expansion during the 19th

and 20th centuries it also extends to the river Main and after a restructuring
and 20th centuries it also extends to the river Main and after a restructuring

of municipal borders within Hessen in the 1970s a couple of nearby villages
of municipal borders within Hessen in the 1970s a couple of nearby villages

and towns were incorporated. After this change, Hanau for the first time also
and towns were incorporated. After this change, Hanau for the first time also

extended to the south bank of the Main river.
extended to the south bank of the Main river.

= Districts= Name
= Districts= Name

The name is derived of "Hagenowe" which is a composition out of "Haag" and
The name is derived of "Hagenowe" which is a composition out of "Haag" and

"Aue". History
"Aue". History

= Old town= As a place of settlement Hanau was first
= Old town= As a place of settlement Hanau was first

mentioned in 1143. Then it was the site of a castle which used the waters of the
mentioned in 1143. Then it was the site of a castle which used the waters of the

river Kinzig as a defense. The castle belonged to a noble family, calling
river Kinzig as a defense. The castle belonged to a noble family, calling

themselves "of Hanau" since the 13th century. Starting from this castle a
themselves "of Hanau" since the 13th century. Starting from this castle a

village developed and became a town in 1303. As a result of this history, the
village developed and became a town in 1303. As a result of this history, the

main church of Hanau stood outside its walls in the village of Kinzdorf. The
main church of Hanau stood outside its walls in the village of Kinzdorf. The

villagers moved into the town, Kinzdorf became an abandoned village leaving only
villagers moved into the town, Kinzdorf became an abandoned village leaving only

the church. Only in the 15th century was the status of the Hanau parish church
the church. Only in the 15th century was the status of the Hanau parish church

transferred to the church of Mary Magdalene within the town walls.
transferred to the church of Mary Magdalene within the town walls.

Shortly after the first town walls were built at the beginning of the 14th
Shortly after the first town walls were built at the beginning of the 14th

century, the town outgrew this limit. Outside the wall, along the road to
century, the town outgrew this limit. Outside the wall, along the road to

Frankfurt am Main a settlement developed which was properly included in the
Frankfurt am Main a settlement developed which was properly included in the

fortifications of Hanau only when Hanau received completely new fortifications
fortifications of Hanau only when Hanau received completely new fortifications

in Renaissance-style during the first half of the 16th century. These new
in Renaissance-style during the first half of the 16th century. These new

fortifications enclosed three elements: The medieval castle, the medieval town
fortifications enclosed three elements: The medieval castle, the medieval town

of Hanau and the Vorstadt. = New town=
of Hanau and the Vorstadt. = New town=

At the end of the 16th century, Count Philipp Ludwig II attracted Protestant
At the end of the 16th century, Count Philipp Ludwig II attracted Protestant

refugees from the Netherlands and France to found their own settlement south of
refugees from the Netherlands and France to found their own settlement south of

Hanau. This was of high economic interest for him because these Walloons
Hanau. This was of high economic interest for him because these Walloons

brought high-class trade, their knowledge of jewellery and other
brought high-class trade, their knowledge of jewellery and other

production of luxury items and therefore taxes to his county. Out of this
production of luxury items and therefore taxes to his county. Out of this

tradition, goldsmiths are still trained in Hanau. Hanau also was the site of the
tradition, goldsmiths are still trained in Hanau. Hanau also was the site of the

first workshop to produce Faience within Germany. These new citizens were granted
first workshop to produce Faience within Germany. These new citizens were granted

privileges and they formed their own community, church and administration for
privileges and they formed their own community, church and administration for

the "new town of Hanau" wholly separate from the existing community. It took
the "new town of Hanau" wholly separate from the existing community. It took

more than 200 years to amalgamate both. The new town – larger than the old one –
more than 200 years to amalgamate both. The new town – larger than the old one –

was protected by a then very modern fortification in Baroque-style which
was protected by a then very modern fortification in Baroque-style which

proved a big asset only a few years later in the Thirty Years' War. The town
proved a big asset only a few years later in the Thirty Years' War. The town

survived a siege in 1637 with only minor damage.
survived a siege in 1637 with only minor damage.

The new citizens formed the major economic and political power within the
The new citizens formed the major economic and political power within the

County of Hanau and in 1642 played a leading role in the succession of Count
County of Hanau and in 1642 played a leading role in the succession of Count

Fredrik Casimir of Hanau Lichtenberg into the County of Hanau-Münzenberg of
Fredrik Casimir of Hanau Lichtenberg into the County of Hanau-Münzenberg of

which the town of Hanau was the capital. In 1736 Johann Reinhard III of
which the town of Hanau was the capital. In 1736 Johann Reinhard III of

Hanau-Lichtenberg, the last of the Counts of Hanau, died. Those parts of
Hanau-Lichtenberg, the last of the Counts of Hanau, died. Those parts of

his county belonging to the County of Hanau-Münzenberg, which included Hanau,
his county belonging to the County of Hanau-Münzenberg, which included Hanau,

were inherited by the Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel. Due to dynastic troubles
were inherited by the Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel. Due to dynastic troubles

within this family the County of Hanau-Münzenberg was created a separate
within this family the County of Hanau-Münzenberg was created a separate

state from the Landgraviate until 1786. So Hanau stayed capital for another 50
state from the Landgraviate until 1786. So Hanau stayed capital for another 50

years. Even after that it became – after Kassel – the town second in importance
years. Even after that it became – after Kassel – the town second in importance

within Hesse-Kassel. = 19th Century=
within Hesse-Kassel. = 19th Century=

During the Napoleonic Wars the Emperor himself ordered the fortifications of
During the Napoleonic Wars the Emperor himself ordered the fortifications of

Hanau to be destroyed. This created a chance for both parts of the town to
Hanau to be destroyed. This created a chance for both parts of the town to

expand across their traditional limits. In 1813, the Battle of Hanau took place
expand across their traditional limits. In 1813, the Battle of Hanau took place

near the city between French troops and Austro-Bavarian forces. During the 1820s
near the city between French troops and Austro-Bavarian forces. During the 1820s

the administrations of both towns of Hanau were merged. The first common
the administrations of both towns of Hanau were merged. The first common

Mayor, who became Lord Mayor was Bernhard Eberhard, later to become prime
Mayor, who became Lord Mayor was Bernhard Eberhard, later to become prime

minister and minister of the interior of Kurhessen after the Revolution of 1848.
minister and minister of the interior of Kurhessen after the Revolution of 1848.

With its pre-industrial workshops Hanau became a nucleus of a heavy
With its pre-industrial workshops Hanau became a nucleus of a heavy

industrialisation during the 19th century: From within the city as well as
industrialisation during the 19th century: From within the city as well as

from outside. This was heavily supported by its development as an important
from outside. This was heavily supported by its development as an important

railway interchange of six railway lines, most of them main lines:
railway interchange of six railway lines, most of them main lines:

1848: Frankfurt-Hanau Railway 1854: Main–Spessart Railway
1848: Frankfurt-Hanau Railway 1854: Main–Spessart Railway

1867: Frankfurt–Bebra Railway, eastern direction
1867: Frankfurt–Bebra Railway, eastern direction

1873: Frankfurt–Bebra Railway, western direction
1873: Frankfurt–Bebra Railway, western direction

1879/1881: Friedberg–Hanau Railway 1882: Odenwald Railway
1879/1881: Friedberg–Hanau Railway 1882: Odenwald Railway

In the 19th century, Hanau was a centre of the German democratic movement and
In the 19th century, Hanau was a centre of the German democratic movement and

contributed significantly both in 1830 and in the Revolution of 1848. As part
contributed significantly both in 1830 and in the Revolution of 1848. As part

of this movement the German Gymnastic League was founded here in 1848. Hanau
of this movement the German Gymnastic League was founded here in 1848. Hanau

was finally annexed to Prussia like all of Hesse-Kassel in 1866 after its
was finally annexed to Prussia like all of Hesse-Kassel in 1866 after its

Prince-elector took the Austrian side in the Austro-Prussian War. It remained
Prince-elector took the Austrian side in the Austro-Prussian War. It remained

part of Prussia until 1945. In the late 19th century Hanau became a
part of Prussia until 1945. In the late 19th century Hanau became a

major garrison town. Due to its interchange of railway lines a large
major garrison town. Due to its interchange of railway lines a large

detachment of military railway-engineers as well as other military units were
detachment of military railway-engineers as well as other military units were

stationed here. = 20th Century=
stationed here. = 20th Century=

During World War II, Hanau was for the most part destroyed by British
During World War II, Hanau was for the most part destroyed by British

airstrikes in March 1945 a few days before it was taken by the US Army. It
airstrikes in March 1945 a few days before it was taken by the US Army. It

housed a large US Army garrison until 2008. The extensive US facilities
housed a large US Army garrison until 2008. The extensive US facilities

included Hanau Army Airfield, also known as Fliegerhorst Langendiebach.
included Hanau Army Airfield, also known as Fliegerhorst Langendiebach.

In 2010, the town started a huge building project to completely redesign
In 2010, the town started a huge building project to completely redesign

the inner city. Those are the largest construction works in the city since the
the inner city. Those are the largest construction works in the city since the

reconstruction after World War II. At present, many inhabitants work in the
reconstruction after World War II. At present, many inhabitants work in the

technological industry or commute to Frankfurt. Frankfurt International
technological industry or commute to Frankfurt. Frankfurt International

Airport is only 30 km away. Population
Airport is only 30 km away. Population

Hanau is the 6th largest town in Hesse. Having lost its status as administrative
Hanau is the 6th largest town in Hesse. Having lost its status as administrative

centre of the Main-Kinzig-Kreis to Gelnhausen in 2005, proposals have been
centre of the Main-Kinzig-Kreis to Gelnhausen in 2005, proposals have been

made that Hanau should form its own administrative district.
made that Hanau should form its own administrative district.

More than 20% of the inhabitants are foreign nationals, mostly Turkish
More than 20% of the inhabitants are foreign nationals, mostly Turkish

workers. International relations
workers. International relations

Hanau is twinned with 5 other towns: Dartford, United Kingdom
Hanau is twinned with 5 other towns: Dartford, United Kingdom

Tottori, Japan Yaroslavl, Russia
Tottori, Japan Yaroslavl, Russia

Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, France Francheville, Rhône, France
Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, France Francheville, Rhône, France

Nilüfer, Bursa, Turkey (Doorn, Netherlands terminated in
Nilüfer, Bursa, Turkey (Doorn, Netherlands terminated in

January 2009.) In addition it is associated with two
January 2009.) In addition it is associated with two

other towns: Waltershausen, Germany
other towns: Waltershausen, Germany

Pays de Hanau, France Sights
Pays de Hanau, France Sights

Deutsches Goldschmiedehaus Schloss Philippsruhe
Deutsches Goldschmiedehaus Schloss Philippsruhe

Wilhelmsbad Marienkirche
Wilhelmsbad Marienkirche

Wallonisch-Niederländische Kirche Famous residents
Wallonisch-Niederländische Kirche Famous residents

Louis Appia, surgeon, member of the Geneva "Committee of Five"
Louis Appia, surgeon, member of the Geneva "Committee of Five"

J. C. C. Devaranne was born in Hanau on March 8, 1784
J. C. C. Devaranne was born in Hanau on March 8, 1784

The Brothers Grimm collected many German fairy tales and started work on the
The Brothers Grimm collected many German fairy tales and started work on the

German Glossary Ludwig Emil Grimm, painter, younger
German Glossary Ludwig Emil Grimm, painter, younger

brother of Jacob and Wilhelm Solomon Hanau, 17th century
brother of Jacob and Wilhelm Solomon Hanau, 17th century

Hebrew-language linguistic master Hans Daniel Hassenpflug, German
Hebrew-language linguistic master Hans Daniel Hassenpflug, German

statesman Paul Hindemith, composer
statesman Paul Hindemith, composer

Alois Kottmann, violinist, was born in Großauheim
Alois Kottmann, violinist, was born in Großauheim

Moritz Daniel Oppenheim, painter, often regarded as the first Jewish painter of
Moritz Daniel Oppenheim, painter, often regarded as the first Jewish painter of

the modern era. Karl Storck, Romanian sculptor, born in
the modern era. Karl Storck, Romanian sculptor, born in

Hanau on March 30, 1887 Rudi Völler, football/soccer world
Hanau on March 30, 1887 Rudi Völler, football/soccer world

champion 1990 and coach of the German national team, when it was runner-up in
champion 1990 and coach of the German national team, when it was runner-up in

2002 Wilhelm Wagenfeld, Designer
2002 Wilhelm Wagenfeld, Designer

Sports Turngemeinde 1837 Hanau a.V., one of the
Sports Turngemeinde 1837 Hanau a.V., one of the

oldest of Germany's sports clubs Hanauer Rudergesellschaft 1879 e.V., one
oldest of Germany's sports clubs Hanauer Rudergesellschaft 1879 e.V., one

of Germany's oldest rowing clubs 1.Hanauer FC 1893 e.V., Hesse's oldest
of Germany's oldest rowing clubs 1.Hanauer FC 1893 e.V., Hesse's oldest

football/soccer club References
football/soccer club References

^ "Die Bevölkerung der hessischen Gemeinden". Hessisches Statistisches
^ "Die Bevölkerung der hessischen Gemeinden". Hessisches Statistisches

Landesamt. September 2014. ^ Twinned towns
Landesamt. September 2014. ^ Twinned towns

External links Official site
External links Official site

HanauOnline Webzine Staatliche Zeichenakademie Hanau
HanauOnline Webzine Staatliche Zeichenakademie Hanau