Marktplatz - market square by Trekki
The Marktplatz (market square, place) is another centre square, situated opposite of the main entrance of Residenzschloß / Residence Castle. On Saturdays, market is held with local products, mostly vegetables and flowers. However, compared with other cities like Mannheim, the market here in Darmstadt is quite lousy. Maybe the city officials don?t encourage our farmers to come and sell or, as usual, the rental is too high. Or, the amount of farmers in the region decreased. Where I live, people could buy fresh milk from farmers until some time ago. But now no more, no more dairy farmers in my region.The market place exists since mid 14th century, after Darmstadt got the ?city rights? in 1330, which gave permission to held weekly and yearly markets.
At it?s end, there is the Rathaus / town hall (see photo), which is late renaissance (built 1588-90), but was rebuilt in it?s original style after WW II bombing. It houses some municipal departments, and the civil registration office as well.
But most famous is the restaurant ?Ratskeller?, which serves Bavarian snacks and has it?s own brewery (Export and Pils and Maibock in the season). It is open daily from 10 a.m. to midnight.
Update January 2009:
new weblink below
