Neues Schloss A late baroque building dating from 1746-97 and 1805-07. The 'New Castle' or 'New Palace' (looks more like a palace to me!) stands proudly in the very heart of the city and used to be the official residence of the kings of Württemberg. Across the square is the main pedestrian shopping street, Königstrasse.
Today the building houses offices of the State government. The square in front of it is dominated by the Jubilee Column, erected in 1841 to mark the silver jublilee of the reign of Wilhelm I.
Altes Schloss On the site of a 10th century moated castle built to protect the 'stud farm' (Stutengarten). In the 14th century, the castle became the official seat of the counts and
dukes of Württemberg. It was converted in the 16th century into a renaissance style castle. The moat was filled in during the 19th century. The castle was partly burnt down in 1931 and then badly damaged in the Second World War. Rebuilding work went on until 1969. Today the castle houses the Württemberg State Museum. The castle is open 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
The 'Old Castle' is on Schillerplatz (the square shown above, with the statue of the poet Schiller). Entry into the arcaded inner courtyard is free. Adult entry into the building cost 3 euros in 2005. Website: Landesmuseum Stuttgart (German only).
