Art and History - Rhine, Moselle & Neckar

About Cologne

Nobody can remain indifferent to the spectacular Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). This renowned Gothic architectural marvel is also a symbol of the city and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996. As well, in Northern Europe it is seen as an important pilgrimage, as well as being one of the oldest. Its setting on the Rhine River adds to its status: a gateway to a unique city, bursting with a diversity of historical buildings, museums, churches, archeological sites, dynamic shopping areas, restaurants and redundant to say bars and beer houses. And of course, the renowned “Eau de Cologne”. 

Nobody can remain indifferent to the spectacular Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). This renowned Gothic architectural marvel is also a symbol of the city and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996. As well, in Northern Europe it is seen as an important pilgrimage, as well as being one of the oldest. Its setting on the Rhine River adds to its status: a gateway to a unique city, bursting with a diversity of historical buildings, museums, churches, archeological sites, dynamic shopping areas, restaurants and redundant to say bars and beer houses. And of course, the renowned “Eau de Cologne”. 

Cologne (German: Köln), one of the oldest of Germany’s cities, was originally a Roman colony and traces of Colonia is felt in every corner so that one feels that the city is still connected to its Roman past. Where the cathedral stands in the courtyard you can see traces of black stripes on the pavement, obviously the place where Roman buildings were at the time of their reign. The Romano-Germanic Museum (Römisch-Germanisches Museum) has on display unusual artifacts from the Roman period, archaeological finds, relics of regular life, and especially an impressive collection of glass and jewelry. The Western Cologne Ring (Kölner Ringe) is a semi-circle paved road which encircles the old city of Cologne (Innenstadt). It is semi-circular, some 4 km long and the remains of the towers and walls of the former mediaeval city can still be seen. It is without a doubt easy to see that a city that has been accepted as an important bishopric from the 9th century, the era of Charlemagne, should have an amazing, unique cathedral erected.  It took from the beginning of the 14th century to the final completion about twenty generations and thus, dozens of churches, monasteries, schools and a university were built in the area because the cathedral raised the status of the city and drew the heads of churches, the clergy, monks, preachers, men of culture and science, artists and believers to its hub. Another tourist attraction is the railway Hohenzollern Bridge over the river Rhine and two equestrian statues, one on each side welcomes everyone as they approach the bridge; one of Wilhelm II and Friedrich III and on the other side stands the statue of Friedrich Wilhelm IV and Wilhelm I. Here too you will find “tons of locks” in the tradition of couples who latch their lock on the railing of the bridge and throw the key into the river, symbolizing that their love is “locked together forever”. It is rumored that this tradition began over 100 years ago in Serbia.  So romantic! A more industrialized part of the city is on the side of the bridge, in front of the Old City. The promenade stretches towards the south and it is here that you can find your “Kodak Moment” and shoot away at different angles of the cathedral, the town hall and the Old City. Not far from the Cathedral, in front of the Ludwig Museum is a large-scale plaza called the Heinrich-Böll-Platz, which was inaugurated in 1986 and designed by Dani Karavan. The most outstanding component of the square design is found at the north-east corner of the area – an almost eleven-meter-high tower called Ma’alot (which in Hebrew refers to the Psalms 120-134, called “songs of steps”, sung in Jerusalem when the priests walk up the steps to the temple with water jugs in their hands). The “Oldest City Hall in Germany” is the one in Cologne (Kölner Rathaus). It was built in the Gothic style with an added loggia in the Renaissance style. The great tower is about sixty meters. Touring inside the impressive place you will see the collection of the city’s history and protocol from the 15thand 16thcenturies, realizing that not much has changed over the centuries. The Jewish Museum, MiQua, currently under construction since 2018, is being built above and below ground on the square where the city hall stands. This is the site of Cologne's historic Jewish quarter from the Middle Ages. The history of the Jews in Cologne dates back to 321 A.D., just about the same length of time as the history of Cologne. The museum will highlight Cologne's general history from 1424 onwards, with a spotlight on the history of the Jewish people in Cologne. A new quarter, named Rhienauhafen, was built on the southern banks of the old city. Inspired by the cranes near the port there are two buildings which seem to float above the river bank. This is a new young urban area that combines business and residences alongside with restaurants, cafes and galleries. The factory that produced The Eau de Cologne 4711 was on Glockengasse Street (and you guessed it) the address was 4711! The well-known brand has been in existence for about 300 years and the factory-store is on Hohe Street (Strasse), one of the busiest and most popular pedestrian malls, not only in Cologne but in Germany. There are plenty of beer houses in the city and of course the most popular with the townspeople is “Klosch”, the local beer popular throughout Europe, which is also used to cook and season the meat dishes so typical of the place.  Note: A Kölsch by any other name is not a Kölsch!  You could only call the beer by the Kölsch name if 1) the beer isproduced within 50 km of Cologne and2) the product, in this case the Kölsch beer, is listed in the geographical indications registersand has the European Union “GPI”  label. Note:Re: Johann M Farina, who was an Italian (rumor has it that he was a barber), and moved to Cologne, Germany in 1709. It was here that he invented a “scented water & alcohol mixture” and called it Eau de Cologne in honorof his adopted new home.

About Aachen

Aachen is a spa town in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Aachen was a favoured residence of Charlemagne, and later the place of coronation of the German kings. Geographically, Aachen is the westernmost city of Germany. Aachen Cathedral was erected on the orders of Charlemagne in AD 796 and was, on completion, the largest cathedral north of the Alps. It was modelled after the Basilica of San Vitale, in Ravenna, Italy, and was built by Odo of Metz. On his death, Charlemagne's remains were interred in the cathedral and can be seen there to this day. The cathedral was extended several times in later ages, turning it into a curious and unique mixture of building styles.

Aachen is a spa town in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Aachen was a favoured residence of Charlemagne, and later the place of coronation of the German kings. Geographically, Aachen is the westernmost city of Germany. Aachen Cathedral was erected on the orders of Charlemagne in AD 796 and was, on completion, the largest cathedral north of the Alps. It was modelled after the Basilica of San Vitale, in Ravenna, Italy, and was built by Odo of Metz. On his death, Charlemagne's remains were interred in the cathedral and can be seen there to this day. The cathedral was extended several times in later ages, turning it into a curious and unique mixture of building styles.

About Trier

Trier is most probably the oldest town in Germany, founded in 16 BC during the reign of Roman Emperor Augustus. The river Moselle creates borders as it flows through three countries – France in the north-east, Germany in the south-west and Luxembourg in the east. It empties in Belgium – a fourth country! Trier, from Roman times, has always been the seat of a bishop and is one of the oldest dioceses in all of Germany. A tour of the city brings us in touch with marvelous historical monuments. The city is home to one of the oldest universities – yet one of the youngest! How can that be you ask? In 1473 the University was founded but closed in 1798 and in 1970 a new university was founded in its stead. 

Trier is most probably the oldest town in Germany, founded in 16 BC during the reign of Roman Emperor Augustus. The river Moselle creates borders as it flows through three countries – France in the north-east, Germany in the south-west and Luxembourg in the east. It empties in Belgium – a fourth country! Trier, from Roman times, has always been the seat of a bishop and is one of the oldest dioceses in all of Germany. A tour of the city brings us in touch with marvelous historical monuments. The city is home to one of the oldest universities – yet one of the youngest! How can that be you ask? In 1473 the University was founded but closed in 1798 and in 1970 a new university was founded in its stead. 

In 1986 the buildings of The Roman Monuments, the Cathedral of St. Peter which was built above the ruins of a former palace from the Roman era and the Church of Our Lady (Liebfrauenkirche) were listed together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Undoubtedly, a landmark in the city and one of the important sites in Trier is the Porta Nigra (Latin for Black Gate). It dates back to the second century and is an enormous, fortified gate in the Roman town walls which are amazingly well preserved. It was made of sandstone, around 170 AD and was one of the four entrance gates to the city. The original gate was layered with slabs of tiles or marble and had a tiled roof. Over the years, a black patina had accumulated on the structure giving it its name and special look. (Patina is a chemical process that occurs naturally when metal is left to the elements and changes color when exposed to air.) The cladding and the roof were looted during the Middle Ages, which does not make the structure any less impressive and gives one a glimpse into the power of the Roman Empire, ruling here at the beginning of the first millennium AD.  Standing in front of the gate, you can see a kind of ecclesiastical "apse" attached to its left side and a spire that is missing as a result of its transformation from a gate into a church building in 1035 AD. Napoleon Bonaparte, who conquered the city in 1802, ordered the restoration of the gate. Trier’s shopping streets all lead to Hauptmarkt, which is an exciting central square and is the city’s largest plaza where events and festivals take place and where you will find market stalls as well. It has been and still is a location where trade used to take place, since the Middle Ages The impressive Cathedral of Trier is one of the most important in Germany and has always been the seat of a bishop since Roman times, one of the oldest dioceses in all of Germany. There is so much to see here including stone carvings, marble work and of course not to be missed is the room of reliquaries. The most treasured relic is the Tunic of Christ, the Holy Robe which is said to have been brought by Helena, the Emperor’s mother. Since the renovation of the Roman Catholic Cathedral in 1974, the Holy Robe is guarded in a wooden-temperature-controlled glass shrine. The cathedral was badly damaged in WWII and reopened in 1974. When going out of the cathedral you will see the impressive Gothic "cloister".   For a better understanding of this era, a visit to the Rheinisches Landesmuseum covers the history of Trier, especially during the Roman times. As well, you can see the world’s largest Roman gold coin collection  Weberbach street leads to the Kaiserthemen where the Romans constructed bathing complexes similar to the ones in Rome. From there, across the main road from Weimarer Alee is the Roman amphitheater. As we get away from the incredible Cathedral we can visit the home where Karl Marx, the renowned communist revolutionary was born on May 5, 1818. The Baroque-style home on 10 Bruckerstrasse dates back to the early 18th century and is now a museum devoted to Karl Marx. The house contains an exhibition that represents capitalist social ideas of the 19th century. If we continue from the house to Karl Marx Street, we will reach the Roman bridge Romerbruke which crosses the Moselle. The pillars date back to the second century and they too were built of massive stone blocks that were attached one to the other with iron clamps. Without crossing to the other side, we will stroll along the bank on the promenade along the Moselle River and enjoy the view and ponder the history of these incredible memories of the past.  Note: Do you know what was the original Roman name for the Black Gate? Augusta TreverorumSecret: Standing on the Bridge, perhaps you too would like to throw a coin into the Moselle River as the locals did and do… to make an offering to the goddess Mosella and perhaps even make a wish!

About Koblenz

What’s the common denominator between (1) the unforgettable famous Deutsches Eck, (2) Max and (und) Moritz, (3) the little boy that spits erratically at those who walk by, (4) the quote "Mr. Inspector, write a report that the man’s dog urinated twice on my husband." If you said the city of Koblenz – then you are right!  That is Koblenz – fun, interesting and beautiful and also on the list of UNESCO World Heritage site because of the riverfront area between Deutsches Eck and the Rüdesheim/Bingen. Koblenz is home to the playful, impish boys, the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and the tongue-in cheek statue Schangelbrunnen in front of the Town Hall with the plaque “Mr. Inspector” etc.

What’s the common denominator between (1) the unforgettable famous Deutsches Eck, (2) Max and (und) Moritz, (3) the little boy that spits erratically at those who walk by, (4) the quote "Mr. Inspector, write a report that the man’s dog urinated twice on my husband." If you said the city of Koblenz – then you are right!  That is Koblenz – fun, interesting and beautiful and also on the list of UNESCO World Heritage site because of the riverfront area between Deutsches Eck and the Rüdesheim/Bingen. Koblenz is home to the playful, impish boys, the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and the tongue-in cheek statue Schangelbrunnen in front of the Town Hall with the plaque “Mr. Inspector” etc.

The city of Koblenz is located at the convergence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers and at the northern mouth of the Rhine Valley, which extends to Rudesheim in the south. This is an easy starting point for exploring this beautiful and ancient city, the “German Corner” (Deutsche Eck) which is where the Moselle and Rhine rivers meet. Note: The Rhine Gorge was declared a World Heritage Site in 2002, with Koblenz marking the northern end. Many sites in the city have a 2000-year history: buildings, fortresses, churches, mansion, homes of the rich with spacious courtyards, located in breath-taking landscapes, with flowing rivers, mountains, forests and green fields. Erected in 1870 the giant statue of Wilhelm I, who was first German Emperor, stands proudly in the Deutsche Eck, with reliefs of the states of reunified Germany on the wall. The statue that we see now was reconstructed and re-erected in 1993 due to the fact that at the end of WWII it was destroyed. Kodak Moment: If you climb the inner stairs to the top of the monument to the platform, you will be able to capture a unique photo of the coming together of the Moselle River and Rhine River.  As well you’ll be able to get a shot of the city’s most memorable landmark, the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which is on the other side. It can be reached by cable car. Whilst there, do take time to enjoy the State Museum of Koblenz, which has four exhibition buildings. Note: If you are coming by car there is a parking lot near the entrance to the building of the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress Cultural Centre. Continuing towards the Moselle River there is a pedestrian path leading to the Ludwig Museum named for the art collectors who established this contemporary art museum in the Deutschesherrenhaus, a former bastion of the 12th century. Continuing on your walk via the courtyard you will reach the Basilica of St. Castor (Kastorkirche) which was consecrated in 836, making it the oldest church in Koblenz.  The monastery-church was named for Saint Castor of Karden who founded a religious community in Karden, when, in the fourth century, he was sent on a mission to the Moselle region. A monument-fountain (Kastorbrunnen) which was built in 1812, stands in front of the basilica, a testimony of the Napoleonic Wars, which helps us to understand the French-German lifestyle, including architectural styles and even local cuisines. Gorresplatz Square (Josef Goress Platz) has an impressive modern 10-meter bronze history column depicting the history of the city from Roman times (at its base) to the future of the city (at its apex). A nearby sign explains the different periods during the first two thousand years. Town Hall: On the Willi-Horter-Platz, the amusing bronze statue Schangelbrunnen stands in the courtyard surrounded by the Renaissance and Baroque buildings. This is from the period when the French ruled the city and it was popular for parents to name their children Schang (the German version of French “Jean”) named after the iconic sculpture of the little boy that spits erratically at those who walk by. Note: When you walk through the city, look down and you’ll see the city sewer covers have a relief of the spitting child. Another humorous statue from the 19th century which is on Munzplatz Square, depicts a woman with a basket of vegetables complaining to the inspector/policeman: The plaque reads as follows (loosely translated): "Mr. Inspector, write a report that the man’s dog urinated twice on my husband." The outer wall of a local (presently) snack bar "Zum Eßkesselchen" is decorated with a scene from the stories of "Max and (und) Moritz" written and illustrated by Wilhelm Busch. This famous work, often referred to as the precursor of comics as we know it today, was published around 1865.   The Church of Our Beloved Lady (Liebfrauenkirche), was built on a site where it is assumed churches and cult structures were built from the 5th century. From the 15th century on it has been renovated and converted many times on the original foundations. It was also badly damaged during WWII and as a result reconstructed in in the early 1950’s. The congregation of this church is still active and is one of the oldest in Koblenz and one can hear choirs and music as well as bells coming from the church. The bells have been ringing since the beginning of the 17th century; the towers were renovated. And if you’d like to hear the bells, at 22:00 every night there is a carillon warning that the city gates are closing. Lohstrasse is a pedestrian shopping mall, with a wide range of shops, cafes, restaurants where it is worth to ask for the local dish Rieslings Schnitte (high in calories but worth it).  

About Mainz

The city of Mainz, the capital of the state of Rhineland-Palatine, has many crowns and is known by its German name: Rheinland-Pfalz, dating back to the Roman period in 13 BC.

The city of Mainz, the capital of the state of Rhineland-Palatine, has many crowns and is known by its German name: Rheinland-Pfalz, dating back to the Roman period in 13 BC.

In the first and second centuries AD, a military base was established by the Roman Empire at a strategic point along the Rivers Main and the Rhine.  As a result, the city grew as the impressive presence of Roman units attracted merchants and service providers and the city prospered. There is much evidence today in the various archeological sites.  The Roman Catholic Mainz Cathedral aka St. Martin's Cathedral, near the market square and historical center of Mainz, is over 1000-years-old.  It was built, burned down and reconstructed a few times but eventually was completed in the Romanesque-Gothic style. It is indeed the most iconic and recognized landmark in all of Mainz.  Housed in the Cathedral Museum – the Diocesan Museum (Diozesan Museum) are many sacred artworks from the 8th and 9th centuries all the way to this century, with the emphasis on the Middle ages. The treasures include, paintings, drawings, sculptures, manuscripts and much more. Secret: Did you know that the number “7” is a special number for the cathedral: There were seven fires that destroyed the cathedral and seven coronations crowning 7 kings. Walking along the cobbled alleyways of the Old town (Mainz Altstadt) will take you back a couple of thousand years many of the quaint half-timbered houses are originals! Meander along the streets passing shops, an cafes and in particular note the beautiful St. Augustin Church, In 1436 the printing press was invented by Johannes Gutenberg in Mainz and a museum celebrating the history of the printing press can be found in Gutenberg Museum in the old town near the Cathedral. About twenty years later they printed the first Bible of which there are two on exhibit in this museum. Originally built in 990, the current St. Stephan Church is mostly from the late medieval era. It is an impressive Gothic-style church with courtyards from the same era. However, the church is mostly known for Marc Chagall’s nine luminous blue stained-glass windows. Depicting figures from the Old Testimony, he worked on them for close to ten years (from 1978-1985 when he passed away). Mainz is the largest wine-producing area of Germany and is called the Germany’s wine capital, with a wide variety of vineyards (many having come from the Roman period) producing local wines. The German Wine Institute initiates a popular annual wine festival towards the end of the summer.   Talk about “festivals” – if you are in Mainz before Easter then try to co-ordinate your visit with The Rhineland Carnival (the three biggest and most famous being held in Cologne, Dusseldorf and Mainz) lasting one week before Lent (Shrovetide) and ends with Ash Wednesday. So get ready to enjoy the music and dancing and parades and parties.

About Heidelberg

What does an Apothecary Museum, a world-renown wine cellar and an enormous jester statue have in common? We won’t leave you in suspense and tell you straight-forward – all this and more is what makes Heidelberg city an extremely popular tourist destination! Located on the Neckar River, it combines old-world charm with modernism. People are left in awe of The Old Town and the University and the ancient library, as well as the historic 14th century Heidelberg Castle which overlooks the city and are enthralled when they tour the Artillery Garden, surrounded by cannon posts. People are fascinated when they visit the wine cellar, known as the Heidelberg Tun, which has the world’s biggest wine barrel built in 1751 and are amused by the well-known statue Perkeo the Jester.  In addition to its historical and cultural attractions, Heidelberg offers an exciting cultural scene, with theatres, art galleries, numerous museums as well as incredible landscapes of hills, lakes and forests. Heidelberg has it all!

What does an Apothecary Museum, a world-renown wine cellar and an enormous jester statue have in common? We won’t leave you in suspense and tell you straight-forward – all this and more is what makes Heidelberg city an extremely popular tourist destination! Located on the Neckar River, it combines old-world charm with modernism. People are left in awe of The Old Town and the University and the ancient library, as well as the historic 14th century Heidelberg Castle which overlooks the city and are enthralled when they tour the Artillery Garden, surrounded by cannon posts. People are fascinated when they visit the wine cellar, known as the Heidelberg Tun, which has the world’s biggest wine barrel built in 1751 and are amused by the well-known statue Perkeo the Jester.  In addition to its historical and cultural attractions, Heidelberg offers an exciting cultural scene, with theatres, art galleries, numerous museums as well as incredible landscapes of hills, lakes and forests. Heidelberg has it all!

It was here that the prestigious, secular Heidelberg University aka Ruperto Carola, was established in 1386 under the auspices of Pope Urban VI, making it the oldest university in Germany.  It is known as being one of Europe’s leading comprehensive research universities, as well as being   renowned for its Faculty of Medicine. The impressive library, known as the Heidelberg University Library (Universitätsbibliothek Heidelberg), includes millions of manuscripts and books, many of them unique and ancient, as well as a collection of maps and other media such as videos and micro films. The history of the city is filled with fascinating events. It was a favorite city for counts and electors who were responsible for the construction of magnificent buildings – especially the famous Heidelberg Palace which sits on the northern part of The Königstuhl summit which allows for views of the city as well as the Neckar River. The construction started in 1200 AD but suffered much during the 500 years that passed until its destruction in 1693 by the army of “The Sun King” Louis XIV. Basically, it was due to the fact that he felt he was entitled to inherit the castle, as being Monsieur Philippe I, the older brother of Duke of Orleans.  A tour of the castle is actually a tour of a courtyard with a group of several buildings around it. TIP: If you’re not taking the funicular and plan on coming with a car, it is best to park in one of the lots and follow the signs to the castle.  On the other hand, if you are taking the funicular in the city then get off at the Schloss Station.  At the lower station you can buy a combined ticket for the train and entrance to the castle.  Suggested route: Walk straight past the ornate Elizabeth’s Gate into the Artillery Garden which is surrounded by cannon posts and which offer beautiful views of the palace façade. It is here that you can take a “Kodak Moment” from what was once a five-story tall turret but was later destroyed by an explosion from gunpowder that was stored within. Crossing over you’ll find ourselves in an impressive Renaissance style courtyard full of wall sculptures and then continue to the Heidelberg Tun - the wine cellar. It has the world’s biggest wine barrel built in 1751 and large barrels that most probably had never been filled with wine.You can climb the stairs to the top of the largest barrel (which can hold 220,000 liters) and dance on the dance floor.  The well-known statue Perkeho the jester (whose real name was Clemens Pankert) is waiting at the bottom of the stairs. Legend has it that he drank wine on a daily basis, until one day he accidently drank water – and died. He is the unofficial mascot of the city and area. Then from the winery you’ll ascend to the observation deck for an amazing view.   Upon returning to the courtyard go to the building on the left and don’t miss a visit to the German Apothecary Museum which is right there; included in the price. You will see this impressive collection with over 20,000 objects on display including different kinds of receptacles, instruments and raw materials that were used in the past and some of them to this day, for concocting medicines. As well, you will gain interesting insights into the history of pharmaceutics. Tip: Do use the audio guide so you will understand the history of the museum.Returning to the castle pass through a small beautifully designed gate that was constructed by Fredrick V, in honor of his marriage to Elizabeth Stewart in 1615. Legend has it that the gate was built in one night as a birthday present to his wife. Descending from here you’ll get back to the city by funicular, or by foot, to a route that will lead you from the town hall plaza and the Holy Ghost Church on Market Square (Marktplatz), one of the oldest squares in Heidelberg. Continue to the pedestrian area and then on to the university. Pay close attention to the gabled House of Knight St. George, architecturally typical of the styles of all the houses in Heidelberg before its destruction in 1688. It is opposite the Church of the Holy Spirit (Hauptstr.178), an exciting area for wandering between shops and the townhouses.  If you’re interested you can visit the university and the ancient library. Afterwards you’ll cross the old bridge, officially called Karl-Theodor Bridge, which was built in 1788. There is a great view from which to take your photos of Heidelberg’s skyline of church spires, the castle and the houses on the river front.  Located at the west end of the Bridge Gate is the “Bridge Monkey” and legend says if you touch the hand then you will return to the city and if you touch the mirror, you’ll become rich and if you touch the mice next to the monkey you will be blessed with many children!  Good Luck and may you get whatever you wish for! In the university quarter of Heidelberg, on the bend of the Neckar River you will find the Heidelberg Zoo (Zoologische Garten Heidelberg). You have an option to join an organized tour, an opportunity to feed some animals and take a break in one of the cafes or restaurants in this corner of paradise. The zoo is home to about 2000 animals including polar bears, giant turtles, gorillas, elephants, leopards, flamingos and many other diverse species. Easily accessible, you can visit about 2,000 animals including polar bears, giant turtles, gorillas, elephants, leopards, flamingos and many other diverse species. Easily accessible, it’s truly one of the most pleasant and charming zoos enjoyed not only by children but very much so by adults as well. Not too big – not too small, but just right! If you’d like to sate your appetite with an authentic regional dish, just try the Schweinshaxe, which is pork shank served with potato slices and includes, as per tradition, sauerkraut. Another typical dish for the region is: Spätzle; (pasta or dumpling made with eggs) typically served as a side dish with meat and gravy dishes which is very popular in the restaurants throughout the city. Typical wines of the region are red and white wines from the various grape varieties: Riesling, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer.Bon Appetit!

About Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a city in southern Germany. The sixth-largest city in Germany. At the centre of Stuttgart lies its main square. As well as being the largest square in Stuttgart, it stands at the crossover point between the city's shopping area, Schlossgarten park, Stuttgart's two central castles and major museums and residential areas to the south west. Buildings of note in the city include: Collegiate Church, dates back to the 12th century, but was changed to the Late Gothic style in the 15th century. Exterior: Romanesque/Gothic; interior: Romanesque/Gothic/Modern. The Old Castle, mostly dating from the late 15th century. Renaissance style;

Stuttgart is a city in southern Germany. The sixth-largest city in Germany. At the centre of Stuttgart lies its main square. As well as being the largest square in Stuttgart, it stands at the crossover point between the city's shopping area, Schlossgarten park, Stuttgart's two central castles and major museums and residential areas to the south west. Buildings of note in the city include: Collegiate Church, dates back to the 12th century, but was changed to the Late Gothic style in the 15th century. Exterior: Romanesque/Gothic; interior: Romanesque/Gothic/Modern. The Old Castle, mostly dating from the late 15th century. Renaissance style;