Gerresheim facts for kids

Gerresheim is a really old part of the city of Düsseldorf in Germany. It's located on the eastern side of Düsseldorf. Today, about 28,200 people call Gerresheim home. It has a long and interesting history, with some very old buildings and stories to tell.

A Look Back: Gerresheim's History

Early Days and the Abbey

The first time Gerresheim was mentioned in official records was around the year 670, when a church there was talked about.

Later, in 870, a special place called the Gerresheim Women's Abbey was started. An abbey is like a monastery, but for nuns (women who dedicate their lives to religious service). This abbey, named St. Margaret's, was founded by a person called Gerricus.

Becoming a City

In 1368, Gerresheim was given "City Rights" by the Counts of Berg. This meant it could act more like a proper town, with its own rules and markets.

However, Gerresheim faced tough times during wars. It was attacked several times during the Truchsess War and later the Thirty Years' War. These wars made the city poorer, and even the nuns at the abbey struggled. Because of this, Gerresheim lost some of its importance and charm.

Modern Times

By 1803, the abbey no longer existed. A few years later, in 1809, Gerresheim became part of Prussia, which was a powerful German kingdom.

A big change happened in 1838 when Gerresheim got its own railway station. This made it easier for people and goods to travel to and from the area.

Finally, in 1909, Gerresheim officially became a part of the larger city of Düsseldorf.

Cool Places to See in Gerresheim

Gerresheim has some amazing old buildings and attractions that show its long history.

• Basilica Saint Margaretha: This is a Roman Catholic church that used to be an abbey church. It's a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. It was officially opened in 1236 on the spot where an even older church once stood.
• Church Treasures: Inside the Basilica Saint Margaretha, you can find very old and valuable items. These include a crucifix (a cross with Jesus on it) from the 10th century and a special book called a Gospel book from the 11th century.
• Abbey Buildings: Some parts of the original abbey buildings, where the nuns lived and worked, are still standing and date back to the 13th century.
• Quadenhof Castle: This old castle dates back to the 15th century, showing another piece of Gerresheim's past.
• Gustav Adolf Church: This is a Protestant (Lutheran) church that was built in 1878.

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  City Hall

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  Villas in Gerresheim

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  Saint Margaretha, Vaticanic Basilika Minor

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  Protestant Gustav Adolf Church

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  Rom.-Cath. St. Cathrina Church

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  Protetant Mercy Church

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  Rom.-Cath. Saint Mary of Peace

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  Coats of Arms