Schwetzingen - Schloss Attractions

12km/7.5mi west of Heidelberg, in the Rhine plain, is Schwetzingen, famed as a center of asparagus-growing. It has an 18th C. palace, Schloss Schwetzingen, which was a summer residence of the Electors of the Palatinate (concerts in summer). The Schlossgarten (73 hectares/180 acres), laid out partly in the French and partly in the English style, contains a number of 18th C. buildings (including a Roccoco theater by Nicolas de Pigage, 1746-52; festival performances) and works of sculpture.

A more modern feature of Schwetzingen is the Bellamar bathing center (whirlpool, flume, sauna, solarium, games rooms, etc.).