Across the world, squares of various sizes have become the figurative and literal heart of their cites to create engagement for both residents and visitors. Schlossplatz (Palace Square) Stuttgart in Germany has been able to do so by not only providing residents with a venue for various types of events but by also being a hub that allows visitors to experience many of Stuttgart’s attractions. By providing everyone with a place where they can do everything from have a picnic to spend an afternoon shopping, Schlossplatz has been able to showcase what it can mean for what would otherwise be a non-descript area of the city to form an identity that positively influences an entire city.
The Vibrant Heart of Stuttgart
Schlossplatz was established as a public square in 1860 with the construction of the nearby Königsbau, which itself was built between 1856 and 1860 on behalf of King William I as a business, concert and ball house. Originally part of the ducal pleasure garden, the square served as a military drill and parade ground from 1746 until it was transformed into a public space.
The Jubiläumssäule (anniversary column) is the central feature of Schlossplatz, and was erected on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the government and the 60th birthday of King Wilhelm I. The column consists of a 30 meter high granite shaft, a 5-meter high statue of the Roman goddess Concordia along with four reliefs with historical scenes and four allegorical figures at the corners of the pillar. Fountains, as well as a statue of Christoph von Württemberg, are also located throughout Schlossplatz, providing visitors with a sense of the history of the area and city.
While Schlossplatz has been referred to as the vibrant heart of the city, it’s also a place that attracts both residents and tourists to relax and take in the scenery. It is within walking distance of the Württemberg State Museum, the Baden-Württemberg House of history and many other notable historical attractions. Exposure to these attractions is just one element of the experiences that Schlossplatz has enabled for both residents and visitors though.
Shopping, Concerts and More
Originally a concert house, Königsbau has always been one of the formative buildings of Schlossplatz but has been transformed into a commercial building with numerous cafes and stores. Since April 2006, the 45,000-square-meter retail and office building known as Königsbau Passagen has provided Stuttgart with a totally new attraction that takes advantage of the history and notoriety of Schlossplatz. The most striking feature of the building is a glass-vaulted roof that connects directly to the Königsbau. It is connected to Königstraße, one of Germany’s longest and finest shopping thoroughfares
In the summer, Schlossplatz plays host to open-air concerts and festivals such as the Sommerfest. During the winter season, it is host to the Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) that attracts activity from across the city and country. These annual events aren’t the only planned activities that take place in the square though. In 2006, Schlossplatz hosted 60, 000 fans at a public screening during the football World Cup.
While this economic and cultural activity has given residents and tourists specific reasons to visit Schlossplatz, plenty go to the area to simply have a picnic or relax during the evening. This variety of experiences that are available to anyone and everyone is one of the main reasons that Schlossplatz has become an integral part of maps of the city and is also featured prominently in marketing materials of all types.
All of these experiences have allowed Schlossplatz to provide Stuttgart with a powerful sense of identity. In doing so, the area has created a legacy that has become essential to the present and future of the city.
The Legacy of an Identity
Various cities have sections or areas that function as the literal center of the city while also being a place for people to congregate. Some of these areas have had tremendous social and political importance, while others haven’t been defined in any notable manner. By providing Stuttgart with a hub for both residents and visitors, Schlossplatz highlights how these places can form an identity that creates multiple opportunities for everyone.
