Of all Germany’s state capitals Stuttgart’s location is one of the most beautiful. Surrounded by mountains with dense forests and lush, sloping vineyards, Stuttgart is not only renowned for its dynamic industry, but also for its range of cultural events and institutions.
Above all, it is the vibrating and joie de vivre flair of the city that captivates its visitors. First-time visitors should start their tour of Stuttgart at "Schillerplatz". The "Altes Schloss" (a Renaissance palace), the "Stiftskirche" (Collegiate Church of the Holy Cross, Stuttgart’s most famous landmark) and the "Fruchtkasten" (Granary), an old warehouse from the Renaissance period, are all well worth a visit. This historic building houses the "Wuerttembergisches Landesmuseum’s" collection of musical instruments. The next stop on your tour should definitely be "Schlossplatz" with the "Koenigsbau" (a Neo-classical building with its 135 metres facade and shops) and the "Neues Schloss" (a Baroque building that now houses government offices). One of the most interesting attractions is a visit to the "Wilhelma", the largest zoological and botanical garden in Europe, which was laid out as a Moorish garden in 1850.