The city of Kassel, located on the River Fulda, was first mentioned in documents dating back to the year 913.
In 1277 Kassel was the government residence of Landgrave Henry I of Hessen (1244-1308). The Orangery, the Karlsaue Park and the Wilhelmshõhe Park were built by Landgrave Charles I (1654-1730). The Castle of Wilhelmshõhe was built by Landgrave Wilhelm IX of Hessen (1743-1821).
The brothers Jacob (1785-1863) and Wilhelm (1786-1859) Grimm, known for their folk and fairy tales and for their work in linguistics, lived and worked in Kassel.
Since 1955 the "Documenta", an international exhibition of contemporary art, is held in Kassel every 5 years.