The Free Square was the intersection of three main roads that traversed the original village towards the respective gates to the east, south, and west. Once also referred to as the "Market," it has been the focal point of village life since the late Middle Ages.
The buildings that line the square, which are gable-fronted, date from the 17th to the 19th century. The western building fronts, which were expanded several times during the 19th and 20th centuries, can be traced back to the "Community Fire Chamber" (mentioned in 1594) and the "Community Barn" (mentioned in 1626).
The northern side of the square features the significantly altered former community bakehouse (Backesgasse), which housed the offices of the first administration in well-heated rooms until 1848.
Although partially only recognizable in basic forms, the other larger residential and agricultural buildings surrounding this village center reflect the characteristic image of closed baroque courtyard facilities towards the street that is so typical of Rheinhessen.
In the center of the square, there was still the "Weed" until 1844, an artificially created pond that served as a watering place for livestock and a fire-fighting site. The community scale was housed in the weighing house.
On the eastern side, a sandstone well, referred to as the "Waterworks," in simple design highlights the technical achievements of the late 19th century.
The rural ornament of the Free Square today is the well-preserved oak wine press (18th century) from a neighboring vineyard.
searchMenu