Anyone who knows the moated castle in Bad Vilbel from the inside should pay attention on the occasion of a visit these days. Mayor Sebastian Wysocki (CDU) even hopes for one or the other "wow" from the mouths of guests. In recent months, workers have not only provided a new stage – the new roof is particularly striking. It measures 250 square meters, is made of steel and weighs 19.5 tons. The foundation partially extends down to 12.5 meters below the ground. For this purpose, half a dozen bored piles have been driven into the ground. The new roof covers not only the approximately 145 square meter stage, but also parts of the palace and the castle wall.

Thorsten Winter

Correspondent of the Rhein-Main-Zeitung for Central Hesse and the Wetterau.

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Festival director and head of the cultural office Claus-Günther Kunzmann said on Friday during the presentation of the results of the renovation: "We will have to get used to the new forms, the new heights." However, the roof nestles into the historic walls as a modern building, he said, expressing his happiness and joy. The two pillars in the middle of the stage are history. The work on the roof and stage was completed in time for the start of the new season.

The festival began on Friday evening with the play "Achtsam morden". However, it will not be given on the big stage in the moated castle, especially since the new grandstand is not yet completely finished. For example, the theatre cellar, which is designed for 87 guests, serves as the venue for the box office hit. In this vault, too, workers have visibly lent a hand. Craftsmen have installed steps for comfort in each row. They are designed to provide a better view of the stage. This is particularly beneficial for young visitors.

New roof looks higher

Wysocki thanked above all Kunzmann, who, in addition to the construction work on the castle, also supervised the progress of the new Vilco Congress Centre, as well as the men and women involved in the construction, not least the architect Berthold Scharrer from Frankfurt. As Scharrer emphasized, his office was faced with a special task. He cited the reference lines between the stage and the grandstand as examples. The historic building has different heights, and no nail may be driven into the walls. With regard to the statics, the pile foundation had been discussed, measured and planned for a very long time. Driving the six piles into the ground, on the other hand, only took half a day, the architect looked back. From the spectators' point of view, the new roof appears higher and more open than before.

Scharrer also recalled the need to reschedule the construction of the stage, forced by the Ukraine war. Originally, he had requested floor slabs from Russian production. Nevertheless, the construction work was carried out "precisely, precisely and on a daily basis in terms of process and completion", as the architect emphasized.

Metal mesh against burrowing nutria

But it is not only in the interior of the castle that a lot has happened. Since the autumn, expert forces have been taking care of the moat and the shore. The reason: the embankment had subsided over time. This was due, among other things, to the digging work of nutria that cavorted there in the past. From now on, close-meshed metal grids incorporated into the soil will keep the rodents away and protect the embankment. In addition, roots and frost had damaged the borders on the moat.

Last but not least, the course of the trench to the Nidda seemed rather dilapidated. A so-called pond monk is supposed to remedy the situation. Such a construction can keep the water level constant with dunnage boards. It makes it possible to drain all or part of the water. According to Mayor Wysocki, the city has invested around two million euros in all the work.