Mannheim: City of Squares

Ever since German Elector Friedrich IV laid the foundations for the construction of Fort Friedrichsburg in 1606, the city of Mannheim had to be rebuild again four times due to destructions and damages during wartimes. What has been preserved throughout the centuries though is the city’s unique grid-structured center which coined Mannheim’s nickname “Quadratestadt” (city of squares). Nowadays, given its number of approximately 310,000 inhabitants, Mannheim is the second largest city of Baden-Württemberg and considered to be “secret capitol of the Electoral Palatinate.” In 2007, open-minded and tolerant Mannheim, committed primarily to commerce and supply of services, celebrated its 400 years of existence.

Internationally renowned companies such as BASF, SAP, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen or Roche Diagnostics emerged from Mannheim and the surrounding Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region. Today, 50 % of Germany’s Top-500 companies are based within 250 km of Mannheim. Innovative geniuses and entrepreneurs are also embedded in Mannheim's history: Carl Benz built the world's first automobile only a few miles outside the city. Also the bicycle was invented here.

Mannheim's vibrant cultural life together with the surrounding area with an abundance of recreational opportunities makes it the place to be in the heart of Europe. The Palatinate, Germany's largest wine-growing region, Heidelberg with its romantic flair and the Odenwald’s many castles are close to the city. Frankfurt, the financial hub of Germany, is less than an hour away by car or train.

Further information on Mannheim can be found at the websites of the City of Mannheim and of the Tourist Information of Mannheim.