Kurmainzer Amtshof

The Kurmainzer Amtshof stands in Heppenheim, below the ruins of Starkenburg Castle. It is a five-sided complex of rough stone and timber-framed buildings begun in the late 14th century. The site once belonged to the Archbishopric of Mainz and served as an administrative court for the Upper Electorate. The Amtshof is remembered for the founding of the Free Democratic Party in December 1948. Delegates met in the Kurfürstensaal and Winzerstube to establish the FDP, electing Theodor Heuss as its first chairman. A bronze plaque at the inner gate bears his portrait and a quotation. Earlier, in 1847, Heppenheim had hosted the Heppenheim Assembly of leading liberals who prepared the Frankfurt National Assembly. Today the buildings house a winemakers’ co-operative and a restaurant called Winzerstube. The large Kurfürstensaal is used for receptions and city council meetings. The southern wing contains the municipal museum, displaying original items from the FDP’s founding. The former stables on the north side, now called Eulenburg, hold the East German Culture and Heimat Rooms. The Weinkosthalle in the old wine press building offers tastings, completing a day spent among medieval walls and liberal history.