Höchst (Frankfurt am Main)
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| Area: | 4.709 km² | ||
| Population: | 13,505 (Dec. 2006) | ||
| Population density: | 2,867 people per km² | ||
| Postal code | 65929 | ||
| Telephone area code: | 069 | ||
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| Area district: | 6 – West | ||
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Höchst (German: høːkst / høːçst) is a district of Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Höchst am Main became part of Frankfurt am Main in 1928 together with its boroughs Sindlingen, Unterliederbach and Zeilsheim. It is situated 10 km west of downtown Frankfurt on the north bank of the Main river at the Nidda River estuary.
In contrast to most other Stadtteile, Höchst is an old historical city (with town privileges since 1355) and is still the most important subcenter in the western part of Frankfurt. Until 1987 Höchst was the administration seat of an independent Landkreis. Höchst is now the center of the administrational district Frankfurt-West with 120,000 residents.
The name Höchst became well-known throughout the world for the chemical and pharmaceutical corporation Hoechst AG which was established in 1863. With a short interruption (1925−1952) the Hoechst AG has been headquartered in Höchst. In 1999 the company was merged with the French Rhône-Poulenc S.A. and became Aventis and subsequently after another merger Sanofi-Aventis. There are still major research and production activities of the company in Höchst.
The well-preserved old city has been under the Denkmalschutz protection law since 1972. In the middle-age city part, most of the timber framed house stem from the period after the major fire in 1586.
An important cultural event is the folklore festival, the Höchster Schloßfest, that brings many visitors to Höchst. It begins in the middle of June and last four week. It includes a festival in the old city, fireworks, and a jazz festival in the castle.
[edit] History
[edit] Middle Ages
Höchst is first mentioned in 790 as Hostat (meaning high site or high place). The name has nothing to do with the Hostato Saga regarding the Knight Hostato, who after being the only one to survive a battle was given the site by Charlemagne in thanks for his bravery. On February 11, 1355 Höchst received its town privileges by emperor Charles IV. In a charter from January 12, 1356 Charles IV gave additional privileges to Höchst including the right to hold markets every Tuesday.
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