Schwäbisch Hall: Probably the smallest Metropolis in the World
A steady growth in population. People from over 100 nations. Virtually full employment. Many companies that are global leaders in their industry. A large range of art and culture that is also well-known far beyond the city borders. A high-profile range of educational and childcare facilities. A cityscape that is hard to find anywhere else in Germany and also friendly and open-minded people. This initially sounds like cities, such as Berlin, Munich, Hamburg or Stuttgart. However, we are not talking about these cities here, but instead "probably the smallest city in the world" - Schwäbisch Hall. And the city has the right to bear this title as it has a lot to offer that others can only dream of!
The City is Home to History and Tradition.
"Nature has rocked this city and art has educated it" this is how the poet Ricarda Huch described the former imperial city of Schwäbisch Hall. The "cradle" in the prosperity of Schwäbisch Hall lies in salt. The salt springs characterised city life for centuries and brought prosperity that not many other cities in German-speaking regions were able to enjoy at that time. And so it is not surprising that "Hall," as the locals affectionately call it, is a real jewel that forms a unique symbiosis thanks to its picturesque old city with a mix of timber-framed buildings and baroque splendour from the Middle Ages. Anyone standing on the 53 steps of Kirche St. Michael (St. Michael's Church) above the market square experiences a panorama that can only be found in a few other places in Germany. But it is not just "old" buildings that retain their place here.
The clever integration with "new" buildings is also a top priority in the city. The best example of this is the old prison right in the city centre. Affectionately called the "Kocher Hotel" by the residents of Schwäbisch Hall, the building housed the "bad boys" for over 50 years. The building stood empty when the new prison was constructed outside the city. But Schwäbisch Hall would not be the city it is if someone had not seen the potential for what the inner city location could be used for. And therefore in 2011, a new part of the city opened its doors with the Kocher district and Haus der Bildung (House of Education). Shopping, dining, healthcare and a wide range of educational facilities in a wonderful architectural design demonstrate that "Schwäbisch Hall has the great ability to make something new out of an old building or to perfectly incorporate new buildings into old structures," according to Lord Mayor Hermann-Josef Pelgrim.
