Stuttgart, Germany

We began our time in Stuttgart with a self-guided walking tour around Schlossplatz (Palace Square). There is a very large fountain that many of the historic buildings surround. It reminded me of the Mall in Washington, DC.

On one side is the Staatsoper Stuttgart (the Opera House), a relatively new building. The original Opera House was built in the 1660s, renovated and expanded in the 1750s, but burned down 1902. It was rebuilt and opened again in 1912.

In the background you can see the Fernsehturm Stuttgart (Stuttgart TV Tower). Opened in 1956, it was the first telecommunications tower in the world constructed from reinforced concrete, and it is the prototype for many such towers worldwide.

The Neues Schloss (New Castle) is at one end of the fountain in the Schlossplatz. While it was once the residence of a Duke, today it is the Finance Ministry’s office building.

“The New Castle Stuttgart is the former residence of the Dukes and Kings of Württemberg…started in 1746 and completed in 1807…in 1918 the castle became state-owned…In the time of the Third Reich, an air command shelter was installed…In March 1944, the castle was almost completely destroyed after it had been hit by two explosive bombs and subsequently burned down to the outer facade.” – Wikipedia

“For many years, there was a dispute about the reconstruction, and the remains of the New Castle were almost demolished in favor of a hotel. After violent protests by citizens and monument protectors, the state parliament of Baden-Württemberg decided in 1957 – with only one vote majority – the external reconstruction of the castle.” – Wikipedia

Across the street from the New Castle stands the Altes Schloss (the Old Castle). “In the year 950 AD, a castle was completed on the grounds of the Old Castle to protect the mare garden. In the 14th century, it was the home of the Counts of Württemberg and their Court Chamber…In the 18th century, the moat was filled.” – Wikipedia

“King Charles I of Württemberg and his wife Olga are buried beneath the castle church. The inner courtyard houses a monument to Eberhard I.” – Wikipedia

Originally this building was planned as a barracks for mounted royal bodyguards. However, the bodyguards were moved before the building was finished in 1712 and the City of Stuttgart took over the building as a home for orphans. We enjoyed lunch and a drink in the beer garden that sits in the courtyard today.

The Collegiate Church stands in the middle of the Altstadt (Old Town). It appears to have been built beginning in the 10th century, presumable when the old castle was built.

There is a picture in the entryway of the church showing the foundation/church size during different centuries.

In 1944 the church was damaged by bombs.

Today it is completely restored and still holds services.

Stuttgart is a very industrial city. While it was interesting to explore the old town, no visit to Stuttgart would be complete without a trip to its’ two most visited museums – the Porsche and Mercedes Benz museums.

Even the police drive Porsches!

We had a very nice time exploring Stuttgart.