Solitude Palace is located on the outskirts of Stuttgart with a magnificent view of the surrounding countryside. The gem was commissioned by Duke Carl Eugene and built between 1763 and 1769 as a hunting and pleasure palace. The result was a complex complex with extensive gardens, a banqueting hall, a riding house and a military academy. From 1770 to 1775, the palace grounds were also home to the Hohe Karlsschule - the poet and thinker Friedrich Schiller was probably the most famous student of this elite school.
Solitude Palace is one of the few palaces in Germany that have survived the centuries virtually unchanged. It is thus a unique testimony to the transition from late rococo to early classicism. Externally, the palace flirts entirely with the rococo style - through asymmetry and sprawling ornamentation. Inside, however, the beginning epoch of classicism is already visible - with its clear lines and simple forms.
Viewing platform on the dome
By the way, a very special work of art is hiding in the castle courtyard. You have to look closely to find the "Miniment" by Micha Ullman: A total of 29 small waxing and waning moons are embedded in the paving stones. They form a circle 15 meters in diameter and represent the lunar cycle.
Due to its exposed location, the view extends from the castle over the north of Stuttgart to Ludwigsburg. The view from the viewing platform on the dome is particularly impressive. If you look closely, you will recognize the dead-straight Solitude Avenue. More than 13 kilometers long, it leads directly to the Ludwigsburg Residence Palace and is still almost completely walkable today.
Visitors can tour the palace as part of a guided tour. The annexes house the Akademie Schloss Solitude and the Schloss Solitude restaurant. The former pleasure palace is particularly popular with couples in love: Those who want to get married at Schloss Solitude Schloss Solitude can rent the White Hall for civil weddings.
