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Interesting Facts
- The perfect symmetry of Mannheim's streets was achieved through careful city planning which began in the 17th century. Long considered one of the best-planned cities in Germany, the downtown area is comprised of 142 identical blocks.
- The Mannheim Residenzschloss (residence castle) is the largest Baroque castle in Germany. Started in 1720 by Carl Philipp, the castle took some 40 years to complete, and is notable for many architectural features, including the ornamental knights' hall. Although the palace was destroyed during WWII, it was completely rebuilt during the 1950s.
- The nearby town of Hockenheim is known for producing some of the finest asparagus in Germany, but it's even better known for its race track, originally constructed in 1932. The track hosts numerous races and events throughout the year, including bicycle and motorcycle contests, in-line skate-a-thons, concerts, and dance parties. But the main event is the German Formula 1 Grand Prix, held each July, which attracts the best drivers and the fastest cars in the world. Another big draw? From April-October, tourists can take their own vehicles around the track for a few laps, for the ultimate racing experience.
- One of the most popular tourist attractions in Mannheim, the Wasserturm (Water Tower) is truly a fantastic structure. Built in 1886, the tower is made of yellow sandstone and adorned with mythological figures cast in bronze. It stands 60 meters tall (about 197 feet), and holds 2000 cubic meters (about 528,344 gallons) of water. The surrounding park is graced with several attractive fountains, and serves as a popular meeting place year-round.
- Die Burgenstrasse – the "Castle Road" – stretches from Mannheim through the Neckar Valley to Prague, Czechoslovakia. The route winds through charming small towns like Bad Wimpfen and Rothenburg ob der Tauber as well as larger cities including Mannheim, Heidelberg, and Nürnberg. Along the way, you'll find numerous castles and palaces, mostly dating from the 1200s-1700s.
- Mannheim, at the center of the Rhine-Neckar triangle, is a thriving center for the biotechnology business.
- A must-see while in the Baden-Wurttemburg region is Speyer Cathedral, located about 25 miles south of Mannheim. A spectacular example of Romanesque construction, the building was first started around 1030 under Emperor Konrad II, and was consecrated in 1061. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981, the cathedral is also notable for being the final resting place of eight German emperors and kings, four queens, and numerous bishops.
- The University of Mannheim is internationally known for its high-caliber business school. In fact, it's been called "the Harvard of Germany," and while the university is quick to humble itself, it is definitely a world-class center of learning. Another unique characteristic of the university is that it is almost entirely contained within the walls of the Mannheim Palace, making it a uniquely beautiful campus.
- Another nearby town, Schwetzingen, has a beautiful example of Baroque architecture that's worth a side trip. In 1743, the existing Schloss Schwetzingen was expanded and renovated to become suitable as a summer home for the elector (a government official of medium rank). The elegant furnishings are still intact, as are the meticulously tended gardens.
- The Mannheim University of Applied Sciences is also an internationally respected institute of higher learning which supports and complements the industrial and biotechnology businesses that have relocated to the Rhine-Neckar triangle in recent years.
