Die Plätze

Hey there!

This topic will be about the Plätze, or open squares, found in the Quadrate and what one can find in them. Some are large, others are secluded and small.

Let's start with the two main ones. They are Paradeplatz and Marktplatz. Paradeplatz is found on the intersection of the two main streets, Planken and Kurpfalzstraße, that run through the Quadrate (if you don't remember these, I suggest back tracking a little and reading the post called Getting Around).

Paradeplatz is quite pleasant, in my opinion, especially in the spring and summer when plants and trees start to and are in bloom. It has a fountain and statue in the center of it, and a few grassy areas surrounding the fountain. The fountain is quite large and looks much better when the water is running, which is usually started in April when the weather is warm and the water has no chance of freezing and ruining the fountain. The statue on top of the fountain is intricate and a few hundred years old. Surrounding Paradeplatz are different buildings. Two of them are large shopping centers: Galeria Kaufhof and C&A. Another building has a cafe, a kebab restaurant, and the post office. Then there is also a building with a grocery store called Rewe, a number of restaurants, and a bar called Stars that gives you of view of Mannheim from high up. Paradeplatz is so called because back when Mannheim had a prince electorate, the military would hold parades in that square.

Marktplatz is a little further away from Paradeplatz, either a minute tram ride or a five-minute walk. This square is the largest in Mannheim’s Quadrate. It is called Marktplatz because it is where market was being held and to this day every Saturday farmers come and sell their goods. In the center of the platz is a large statue with what looks like Greek or Roman gods and goddesses. Also on the edge of the square stands a large red building. The left half of it was the former city hall and now is used for other administrative duties (I think). The right half of the building is St. Sebastian’s, a Catholic church. I have only gone inside once. It is a hidden treasure that is worth seeing. At the other end, are a few restaurants and cafes with the option of sitting outside on the square. One thing of note is Istanbul, a really neat kebab place that I think is the best in the city. Prices are really reasonable for simple döners and larger meals are not much more expensive. Go there for dinner or just to grab a quick bite to eat and you will not regret it.

St. Sebastian's

Another platz that is more off the side is Schillerplatz. You can find it in the B’s close to the Jesuit church. Since it’s not by the two main streets, there are far fewer people than at Parade- or Marktplatz. A sidewalk goes around it in a loop around the whole square and a grassy area inside. There are benches scattered throughout the edges. At one corner a small playground for children. Just across from the playground in the other corner is a statue of Friedrich Schiller, whom the platz is named after. Schiller was a fmaous German playwright, and he resided in Mannheim for about a year, where he oversaw his productions and wrote some plays. There are some residential buildings around the square. There is also a café and restaurant. And, of course, there is the Jesuit church that towers over the square. This church I also recommend seeing, as it is full of nice artwork and a breathtaking altar and has been around since the 1800s.

Not far from Schillerplatz in the vicinity of C5 is Toulonplatz and Zeughausplanken. Here you can find the Zeughaus, a former armory that is now a museum with various kinds of exhibitions (the one now is about Kaiser Maximilian I). Across from it is another museum. Unfortunately I have not looked into what is on display inside of it so I cannot tell you what you can find. Just off to the side of the Toulonplatz is a an old school. On the side of it is a relief with a knight. And on the Zeughausplanken there is a cafe or two, and perhaps even a kebab place. 

Zeughaus

Other museum

The school

The next platz that is also off to the side is the Kapuzinerplatz. It can be found in N4 and just across the street from it is the Kapuzinerplanken. This platz is relatively small but very inviting. It is full of chairs and tables and there are two bars/restaurants there. One of them is Zentrale, which I recommend going to for a beer or five with friends. The other one next to it is Starks. I have not been there, but I did sit outside of it one time and it looked just as good as Zentrale. In the middle of the platz is a small statue of a Capucin monk, hence the platz being called Kapuzinerplatz. Across the street is the Kapuzinerplanken. Most of the time it is empty, but sometimes it has small markets there, such as the Frühlingsmarkt (Spring Market). 

The statue

Kapuzinerplanken

The rest of the plätze are just a few greenish areas with benches and little paths to walk around. One of these is across from Kapuzinerplatz in N5. It has trees and some flowers planted, but it's small and close to a road that's busy during the day so there might not be as much peace as one might wish. Not far from there is a park in M6. This one is larger than the previous one mentioned and has a lot more trees. There is also a playground for children and a football court. What is most interesting is the ruins of a wall and bastions that were there since the 17th century. I think it would be great if someday the city decided to undertake its restoration. Finally, there is another green platz in R7. It is hidden in a residential area and is not as extravagant as what it seems on the map. It has a path just like the rest and a playground heavily occupied by children right next to it.

N5

M6

Until next time, dear readers.