Schlossplatz (Palace Square), Stuttgart (must see)

Palace Square (Schlossplatz), the largest square in Stuttgart Mitte, is a prominent cultural and historical landmark. Dominating the square is the New Palace (Neues Schloss), constructed between 1746 and 1807. Originally a military parade ground, the square was not accessible to the public until the mid-1800s. The area around Palace Square is characterized by its proximity to other significant squares, with Karlsplatz to the south and Schillerplatz to the southwest. The Königstraße (King Street) runs through the square from north to south, creating a central thoroughfare.

The New Palace and its grounds became public property in 1918. However, during World War II, the palace and much of Stuttgart Mitte suffered heavy damage from Allied bombings. A restoration project took place from 1958 to 1964, resulting in a modernized interior that now houses the ministries of Culture and the Treasury for the Baden-Württemberg government.

In the past, the King Street that bisects the plaza accommodated vehicular traffic, but the construction of an underground station and tunnels in the 1960s redirected traffic away from the square. The most recent comprehensive renovation of Palace Square occurred in 1977, coinciding with the Bundesgartenschau (Federal Garden Show) in Stuttgart. The lawns and flowerbeds were further refreshed in 2006 for the World Cup Finals.

Palace Square is a hub for various public events, including open-air concerts, children's fairs, and the annual Weihnachten market, which features an outdoor ice rink. During the 2006 World Cup Finals, the square became a gathering point for over 40,000 spectators, who watched matches on large screens. In 2008, Palace Square hosted the United Buddy Bears exhibition, displaying 144 two-meter-high sculptures representing cultural understanding and tolerance.