Landstuhl


Landstuhl, officially the Sickingen Town of Landstuhl, is a town in the district of Kaiserslautern, in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. It is the seat of the Municipal Association of Landstuhl. Situated on the north-west edge of the Palatinate Forest, west of the city of Kaiserslautern, the town is located near Ramstein Air Base.

History

Early history

The earliest traces of human settlement in Landstuhl date from around 500 BC. The "heathen rock" from the Celtic period was a holy site until Roman times, and a Roman settlement dates from the 1st century. About 1152, Emperor Frederick I had Nanstein Castle built on the mountain south of town.

Early Modern period

During the 15th century, the lords of Sickingen assumed responsibility for Landstuhl and the surrounding area. The most famous member of this dynasty was Franz von Sickingen. He converted the castle – Nanstein Castle, the most visible landmark in Landstuhl and the surrounding area – into a dominating fortress. In August 1522, Sickingen moved to further expand his feudal domains by capturing Trier. After several unsuccessful attempts to lay siege to the city, he withdrew to Nanstein Castle and was subsequently besieged by a coalition of Richard, Archbishop of Trier; Louis V, Elector Palatine; and Philip I, Landgrave of Hesse. During the 1523 siege of Nanstein Castle, Sickingen fell mortally wounded. His sons rebuilt the castle in Renaissance style, but it was largely destroyed by Louis XIV's army during the Rhine campaign of the Nine Years' War.

Politics

Landstuhl's mayor is Mattia De Fazio, who was elected in August 2024. De Fazio is a member of the CDU.

Economy and infrastructure

Landstuhl is home to Landstuhl Hospital, also known as Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, a U.S. Army installation atop the Kirchberg.

Notable people

  • Aaron AltherrGerman-American baseball player
  • Shawn BradleyGerman-American basketball player
  • LeVar BurtonAmerican actor
  • Shelley FKA DRAMAmerican musician
  • David RouzerAmerican politician
  • Franz von SickingenGerman knight
  • Rob ThomasAmerican musician
  • Reggie WilliamsAmerican football player

    International relations

Landstuhl is twinned with: