History Villingen

First written mention in a document of Louis the Pious

Emperor Otto III. grants Villingen the right to hold markets, issue coinage and collect customs taxes along with court jurisdiction.

Gradual relocation of the settlement of Villingen from the "Old Town" to the other side of the Brigach, around 1200 construction of the fortification begins.

Award of a new coat of arms by King Ferdinand to Villingen for merits in the Peasants' War and adherence to the old faith.

Unsuccessful sieges of the city by the Swedes, Württemberger and French during the Thirty Years War (1618-1648) and by the French Marshal Tallard Villingen during the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714)

Villingen is finally annexed by the Grand Duchy of Baden.

Opening of the railroad line Rottweil - Schwenningen – Villingen
Picture: Villingen railroad station around 1870 with tracks and the former Bickenkapelle on the far right

After the "seizure of power" by the National Socialists a lot changes in people's lives. Consolidation of political powers, mass organizations and persecution of individuals and groups of persons characterize this period.
Picture: Hitler Youth band in the Kurgarten, 1937

Villingen becomes a Kneipp spa
Picture: Kneipp bath

At the first German jazz label MPS (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) famous musicians like Oscar Peterson record for the first German jazz label.
Picture: Oscar Peterson with Hans Georg Brunner heavy

The state parliament of Baden-Württemberg passes the special law on the merger of Schwenningen and Villingen, after the citizens had already voted for it in March.
Picture: The Lord Mayors Severin Kern and Gerhard Gebauer with Mayor Müller at the place-name sign VS on 1 January 1972