Stuttgart

Surrounded by gardens and vine yards is a thriving metropolis that is a surprise package for visitors to Germany. Stuttgart, is the state capital of Baden –

Wurttemberg. Palatial buildings, carefully restored heritage architectures is set off by the number of parks and gardens in the place. The city is also the seat of the local parliament.

You can start your tour of Stuttgart, from the main square, which is situated in the heart of the city. Schlossplatz, as it is known provides easy access to the main shopping area. A visit to the castles, museums or a trip down the river Neckar, you can embark on any from the main square. Several parks including the Schossgarten park is also located nearby.

The world war II ravaged the city, destroying many of the important structures. Since then after a lot of restoration work the skyline of Stuttgart is dotted with many imposing architecture. Stand awe struck at the Stiftskirche (14th century collegiate church), admire the Nues Schloss (New Castle), visit the Wurttembergische Landesbibliothek (the state library), gaze at the 18th century castle solitude, castle Hohenheim or Ludwigsburg Palace. The Renaissance architecture of the Altes Schloss is worth a visit.

Other places of interest in Stuttgart include Wilhelmpalais, the Wurttemberg Mausoleum (museum), The State Theater (Staatstheater),The TV tower (first concrete TV tower in the world), the castle Rosenstein, State Gallery (Staatagallerie) and

the main train station (established in 1927). You can also take tour of the various cemeteries. For a tryst with nature you can visit the Wilhelma botanical gardens, the place also houses a zoo. The garden and the zoo is nearly 150 years old.

The "Green U" are other popular tourist sites in Stuttgart. Located in the heart of the city, is a wealth of natural beauty. The Schlossgarten located along the Neckar river, covers a total area of 61 hectors. The park encompasses the Main Station, the Old Castle and the State Theater. Divided into three levels, this is one of the oldest parks in the city. The first documented records can be traced back to 1350. The park also contains a planetarium. The Rosensteinpark, is the next "Green U" park, which is near the Wilhelma zoo. Shady large trees and lots of open space makes is a favorite among tourists and residents alike. There is also a castle (Rosenstein castle) inside the park, which now serves as a museum. Killesbergpark is the final “Green U” destination. Once a quarry this place was a popular spot for hosting garden shows in the 1950s. The tower in the park, offers sweeping views of the north eastern part of the city.

Holidayshub.com provides detailed online information on Stuttgart.