Mannheim developed from a fisherman’s village and was first documented in 766. After having received several privileges, the town of Mannheim was founded in the year 1606.

After the destruction of the town in the Thirty Years’ War, Mannheim was reconstructed and as residence of the court had its cultural zenith under the rule of elector Karl Theodor. Theodor became famous as promoter of fine arts, music and theatre.



Already in the 17th century, the typical squares structure of Mannheim’s city became characteristic for the town and in most points remained unchanged up to now. Despite the fact that foreigners don’t know what to do with addresses like B2, 12 or U4, 13, the local people love their "chessboard" which is similar to the structure of Manhattan - not without reason as at both places the influence of Dutch architects was important.

In economical respect, Mannheim took profit from it’s geographical position at the rivers Rhine and Neckar and therefore experienced a period of immense prosperity. A decisive reason for the positive economic development of the town in the 19th century was the extension of the harbour facilities and the foundation of numerous factories.



Today the city of Mannheim, with more than 300,000 inhabitants is primarily known as an industrial and economical metropolis in the urban centralization of Rhein-Neckar. However, there are still many places of interest as souvenirs from a glorious past, like the castle, the Jesuit Church and the Water Tower, and still today the city of Mannheim is a place with numerous cultural events.

For more information about Mannheim: http://www.mannheim.de