Mannheim
The second largest city in Baden-Württemberg, Mannheim is
an important river port located at the intersection of the
Rhine and Neckar rivers. The city is also an important trade
and industrial center, home to many factories producing machinery,
metal goods, chemical products, textile products and construction
material. Mannheim exudes a unique elegance; the locals are
friendly, hospitable with a cosmopolitan outlook.
Mannheim was founded by Palatine elector Frederic IV in 1606,
and for many years the city served as refuge for Dutch protestant
refugees. In 1689, the city was overcome by the French army,
however just 10 years later it was rebuilt and fortified.
Towards 1720 it was designated seat of the palatine electors.
Mannheim was also one of the most famous musical and theatrical
centers of Germany for many years; both composer W.A. Mozart
and playwright Friedrich von Schiller resided here during
some part of their lives.
This city, which has turned from a small village into a cosmopolitan
city full of shopping districts, industrial and trade zones
and recreational areas. Art and culture in general are very
important to the locals, both in modern-day Mannheim and in
the times when Mozart walked its streets.
The most important landmarks and tourist attractions include
the 18th Century Baroque style castle, which today is
the University of Mannheim; the Museum of Fine Arts - holding
an exquisite 19th and 20th Century art collection; the "Luisenpark",
a park where dramatic plays can be enjoyed from across the
pond, and where the art gallery and several other museums
can be visited; and the Reiss Municipal Museum with decorative
art displays and exhibitions on local history.
It shouldn't be forgotten that Mannheim is the starting point
of the almost 1000km-long tour known as the "Castle
Route", which passes through Heidelberg, Rothenburg and
Nuremberg, ending in Prague. This tour passes some 70 castles
and palaces together with other impressive witnesses from
the past, such as medieval towns and cities and buildings
from different stages in history.
