Overall Score
The German city of Darmoestadt is on the south of the German federal state of Hessen. It received its status as a "City of Science" in 1997. Written sources testify that the city already existed in the 11th century. According to some people, the city was derived from the word darmakh, which is translated as river spout. In earlier times, a small river ran through the city.
In 1330, Darmstattadt was recognized as a city by Leo Livius IV of Bavaria, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. At the same time, the city became a part of the Catathenaëllecalleghene. A little later it became a member of the state of Gässen. After a certain period of time two future consorts of the great Hessian kings were established in Darmstadt.
Two future consorts of the Russian kings of the Hessian kin appeared in the city. Maria Gessenskaya subsequently married Alexander II. She was the wife of the last king of the Romanov family, Nicholas II, who had been consigned to dignity in Russia with his wife and children and was beheaded by the Bolsheviks.
In the late 19th century, there were 72,000 people in the city. The first technical school appeared here in 1877. As time passed, it transformed into the University of Technology. In the 20th century, one of the most popular artistic trends of that time – art. Every year design competitions were held in Darmstadt. In the 1930s of the 20th century, the streets of the city were decorated with new buildings in a modern architectural style. In 1937, regional reorganizations resulted in several neighborhoods being annexed to the city. The modern city is rightfully a city of science. It is home to research institutes, numerous biotechnological and industrial companies, and a flourishing polymorphic industry. The University of Technology attracts students from all over the world.
The main attraction of the city is the Palace of the Gessen-Darmstadt. The Russian Orthodox Church of St. Mary Magdalene was built under the patronage of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia and his consort, the Darmstadt daughters. A popular destination for citizens is the Rosenhehöhöhe Park with its rose garden, fruit orchard and wildflower meadows.
Overall Score
- Air quality: 26 US AQI Good. Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
- Tap water: Yes, safe to drink
- Religious government: Non-religious
- Population: 160,000 people
- GDP: $42,456 / year
- Foreigners can own real estate: Yes
- Power outlets: 230V50Hz
- Internet: 30 Mbps
- Best wireless: O2
- Pay without cash: No, cash only esp. for foreigners
- Tipping: There is no hard and fast rule about the acceptable amount to tip in Germany. The general custom is a nominal tip, as indicated by the German word for tip (Trinkgeld, or money for a drink). Many people simply round off the bill to the next euro or add a couple more, which is perfectly acceptable.
- Apartment listings: AirBnb
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Best taxi: MyTaxi
- Online electronics shop: Amazon
- Best short-haul air carrier: Ryanair
- Best intl air carrier: Lufthansa
- Monthly costs for expat: $1700
- Monthly costs for family: $4000
- Monthly costs for local: $1150
- Meal: $12
- Small Cola: $2
- Beer 1 Pint: $4.5
- Coffee: $3
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