The Rastatt town archive is the memory of the town. This is where the written records of Rastatt's history are kept and important documents relating to the town's history are stored. As the central point of contact for questions about Rastatt's history, it offers its historical holdings to citizens for research. The city archivist is Oliver Fieg.
Historical documents
If you have found documents relating to the town's history in an estate that you would like to preserve for posterity, you are welcome to contact the town archive.
The town archive will also be happy to advise you in your search for archive records and is available to provide written and verbal information. The service also includes the inspection of building files and information from the civil registers.
Extraordinary documents
An extraordinary document of contemporary history and a special treasure in the possession of the town archive is a document from 1701 with the handwritten signature of Margrave Ludwig Wilhelm von Baden-Baden. In it, the sovereign guarantees every old and new citizen of the residential town of Rastatt numerous securities and freedoms in the event that they build a new house within a period of three years. The main purpose of such incentives was to speed up the reconstruction of the town and stimulate population growth.
What is preserved: Inventories at a glance
Official documents since the late Middle Ages: official records and files
The oldest Rastatt holdings date back to the 14th century. Many of the archives date back to the time since Rastatt was founded by Margrave Ludwig Wilhelm von Baden-Baden around 1700, mostly documents, invoices, official records and files. The files of the town administration make up a large part of the holdings.
Archival records of incorporated suburbs
Non-municipal documents and collections
In addition, the town archive also contains documents from non-municipal institutions and local associations as well as from companies and individuals who shaped the public life of the town. Numerous maps and plans, magazines, posters, printed matter, books and individual items are kept in the collections. The holdings continue to grow.
The photo and image archive
The photo and image archive, which has been newly established since the beginning of 2021, already comprises around 5000 recorded units, all of which are searchable and most of which have been digitized. The holdings are among the most frequently used in the city archive and primarily contain historical photos, postcards, engravings, watercolors, albums and digital images. The photo and image archive is constantly being developed.
The contemporary history collections
Historical newspapers
Reference library
Please note the postal address: Marktplatz 1, 76437 Rastatt
Opening hours
by appointment
Downloads
Archive regulations (PDF) (15 KB)
General administrative fees (Part 1) (PDF) (406 KB)
General administrative fees (Part 2) (PDF) (508 KB)