Marienplatz

Gateway to Heslach

Stuttgart's Marienplatz in the south of the city dates back to a park dating from 1876. In June 2003, Marienplatz was completely renovated and reopened to the public. The architecturally open and spacious area once again offers space for events of all kinds. This is a link to historical times. Back in 1892, one of the most magnificent circus buildings in Germany stood there. Major events such as sports competitions, May Day celebrations and political meetings were held here. The SPD party conference of 1898 with August Bebel and Karl Liebknecht is worth remembering. In the north-west of the square is an open horseshoe of a double-row avenue of trees with red-flowering chestnut trees. To the south is the round pavilion of an ice cream parlour and in the middle of the square is the valley station of the cog railway. It leads up the Alte Weinsteige to Degerloch. The Stuttgart ‘Zacke’ is the only rack railway that is still used in the regular route network of a major city. It climbs a 17.8 per cent gradient from Marienplatz to Degerloch. At the Wielandshöhe stop at the latest, which offers a magnificent view over the Stuttgart valley basin, you get that certain ‘mountain railway feeling’.

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In the visual axis of Tübinger Strasse and Böblinger Strasse, a multi-levelled water fountain is created at short intervals during the summer months. The moving, rushing water is intended as a visual and acoustic reference to the Nesenbach stream flowing to the side below. Today, Marienplatz is a trendy urban meeting place in the south of Stuttgart: around Marienplatz you will find everything you need to spend a relaxed day in a laid-back atmosphere! From unusual restaurants and cool bars to excellent (ice cream) cafés, Marienplatz has regained its original significance as a major gateway to Heslach. There is excellent live music at Galao - a few steps from Marienplatz in the direction of Tübinger Strasse. With various events and the annual Marienplatz Festival held every summer, this square is coming back to life - as a meeting place for all people from the south!