In the city of Wiesbaden, central western Gemany

 "The mystery of human existence lies not in just staying alive, but in finding something to live for."

-- Fyodor Dostoevsky
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(in central western Germany) The city of Wiesbaden, capital of Hesse Land (state), is found on the right (east) bank of the Rhine River at the southern foot of the Taunus Mountains, west of Frankfurt am Main and north of Mainz. The settlement was known as a spa (Aquae Mattiacae) in Roman times. Its earthen fortifications (12 BCE) were replaced by stone in 83 CE, and a Roman wall (of which traces remain) was built about 370. The settlement subsequently became the site of a Franconian palace, and the name Wisibada (“Meadow Spring”) first appeared in 829. It was made a free imperial city in 1241, passed to the counts of Nassau in 1255, and became the capital of the principality of Nassau-Usingen in 1744. It was capital of the duchy of Nassau from 1806 until 1866, when it passed to Prussia; it then became capital of the district of Wiesbaden in Hesse-Nassau province. In 1946 Wiesbaden became the capital of the newly created state of Hesse and incorporated Kastel, Amöneburg, and Kostheim (which had been former right-bank suburbs of Mainz).

+ Today, the city (together with nearby Frankfurt am Main, Darmstadt, and Mainz), is part of the Frankfurt Rhine Main Region, a metropolitan area with a combined population of nearly six million people.
+ Wiesbaden is also a wine center, famous for its Sekt (German champagne). The city lies at the eastern edge of the Rheingau winegrowing region, which stretches along the Rhine's right bank, west to the Rüdesheim area of the "Romantic Rhine." As a spa, the city was especially famous during the 18th and 19th centuries, when it was frequented by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Johannes Brahms, and Fyodor Dostoyevsky, as well as various royal families. Its more than two dozen hot saline springs and its mild climate, parklike setting, and other amenities continue to make it a popular resort and conference center. Wiesbaden has several medical facilities, including a special rheumatism clinic and the German Diagnostic Clinic, and it is the headquarters of the Federal Statistical Office. The city also hosts an annual International Festival of Music, Ballet, and Drama..

+ To summarize, Wiesbaden is one of Europe's oldest spa towns, with hot springs still flowing today. The city is tucked in a lovely valley between the Rhine River and the Taunus Mountains, Hesse's capital has long been an important spa city, dating back to Roman times when it was called Aquae Mattiacorum. In the 19th century, Wiesbaden also became a popular gambling center. For a soothing plunge, try the Kaiser Friedrich's Therme in the city's center. While here, be sure not to miss the Schlossplatz (Palace Square) and impressive Kurhaus Wiesbaden event and conference center, both within just a few blocks.

+ One example of an impressive urban design, dating back to 1832 and inspired by Classicism, is Luisenplatz in Wiesbaden: