Schillerplatz

Schillerplatz forms the historic heart of Stuttgart's Old Town and lies south of Schlossplatz, nestled among significant buildings. The Old Castle rises on the east side, while the Collegiate Church and the Fruchtkasten frame the square to the south. To the west stands the Prinzenbau, which now houses the Ministry of Justice, and to the north the Alte Kanzlei. Originally known as Schlossplatz or Alter Schlossplatz, the square has officially been called Schillerplatz since 1934, though it had already been referred to by that name before then because of the monument at its center. Archaeological finds attest to the area's long history of settlement; it was probably part of the medieval stud farm grounds and was transformed into a stately Renaissance square in the 16th century by Duke Frederick I.

At the center of the cobbled square stands the Schiller Monument, which dates from 1839 and was the first of its kind in Germany. It was created by the Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen and commemorates the poet Friedrich Schiller. Another architectural highlight is the Mercury Column on the north side, a slender tower from 1598 that originally served as a water tower and is now topped by a golden figure of Mercury. The surroundings invite you to linger, as the square leads through the Kanzleibogen arch directly to Königsstraße and the Kunstmuseum.

For visitors, Schillerplatz is not just a historic site but also a lively meeting place. A weekly market takes place here twice a week, and major events such as the Stuttgart Christmas Market and the Weindorf wine festival regularly expand onto the square. Public transportation is easily reached via the nearby Schlossplatz stop, which is served by several light rail and bus lines. In this way, the square combines the city's rich history with everyday urban life.