Schlossplatz (Palace Square), Stuttgart (must see)

Palace Square is Stuttgart's largest square and home to the imposing New Castle, which dominates the square. The square was originally part of Old Castle's pleasure gardens and later served as a military parade ground from 1746-1918.

Today, the square is a focal point of the city. In 2006, the square went viral as 60,000 soccer fans waved German flags en masse during the World Cup. In addition, the city often hosts concerts and festivals in the large square. In winter, the square hosts the impressive Christmas Market.

The Jubilee Column was built in 1841 to celebrate King Wilhelm I's birthday. The column stands in the middle of the square and is 30 meters (98 feet) high. It is crowned with a five-ton bronze sculpture of the Roman goddess of harmony, Concordia. The column's substructure has bronze reliefs depicting historical events. Corner sculptures represent different attributes.

Two beautiful fountains grace the square. The fountains were built in 1863 to honor William I of Württemberg.

The square is home to the Kunstgebäude gallery, which hosts contemporary art exhibitions. The Kunstgebäude building features a dome with a golden stag.

The Upper Palace Gardens are located between the Kunstgebäude and the New Palace.

The Landtag is a dramatically different structure with a steel skeleton frame. This somber building houses parliament and was built to avoid distracting from the more ornate Opera House and State Theater.