Stuttgart April 2002

n April 2002 we spent a very short weekend in Stuttgart, we travelled up by train from Munich early on the Saturday morning, and returned late Sunday evening. We had a bit of a look around the town centre as well as the Zoo (Wilhelma), and the Frühlingsfest at Cannstatter Wasen. We had a bit of an indifferent time, there were a few up's and down's! Firstly we had quite a good time walking around sightseeing, and at the Frühlingsfest & the Zoo on the Sunday. But the downside was Korina spilling a cocktail of various fruit all over me on the Saturday evening, causing me to have to go all the way back to the hotel to change, which really p*ssed me off! and then on the Sunday at the festival Korina lost one of here earrings on a fair ride, which really p*ssed her off! So that makes it even I guess? Though her anoyance lasted a little longer... So anyway, we enjoyed ourselves, but there were a couple of disappointments... but what the hell, they can happen anywhere!

Neue Schloss & Schlossplatz

The New Palace was built in the form of a U shape during 1746 to 1807 and reflects a French influence. After being used as a noble residence, it was rebuilt from 1958 to 1968 and today its 365 rooms are used for the representatives of the State Parliament, Inland Revenue and Cultural Ministries. The Schlossplatz (Palace Square) features the Jubilee Column and two fountains dating from 1863

Schlossplatz & the State Pavinion

Koenigstrasse is Germany's longest pedestrian street... certainly feels like it, having walked up and down a number of times now! It stretches from the main train station to Rotebuehlplatz

Stuttgart's Schillerplatz is one of the most picturesque parts of the town, and perhaps the one most evocative of earlier times. The square is surrounded on all sides by historic buildings, including the Stiftskirche, the Altes Schloss and the Alte Kanzlei. In the center of the square is the monument to Friedrich Schiller, the celebrated poet who studied at the Hohe Karlsschule in Stuttgart between 1773 and 1780. The monument, or Schillerdenkmal, was designed by Danish sculptor Bertel Thorwaldsen, and unveiled in 1839

Just to the south of the the Neues Schloss, and visible from Schlossplatz, is the Altes Schloss, or old palace. This palace dates back to the 10th century, where it was originally built as a moated castle. It has a beautiful 16th century Renaissance courtyard and a Protestant Castle Church built in 1562. The palace also hosts a vast museum with a vast collection of historical artifacts from the region, dating back through the ages

Robert & Korina at the Oberer Schlossgarten

In fact there are three gardens that belong to the Schlossgarten behind the new castle. The first one is called Oberer Schloßgarten and it's a great place to take a break in summer. Next to a huge green there is a fountain in a huge basin. You have a nice view on the castle and on the Stuttgarter Staatstheater, which is well known for concerts and theatre of course