Schloss Solitude

Stuttgart, Germany

Schloss Solitude was built as a hunting lodge between 1764 and 1769 under Duke Karl Eugen of Württemberg. Schloss Solitude was originally designed to act as a refugium, a place of quiet, reflection and solitude (thus the name). Construction of the castle was plagued by political and financial difficulties. Karl Eugen had taken Württemberg into the Seven Years' War on the losing side against Prussia. The building exceeded the budget allocated by the duchy of Württemberg. Further, political wrangling between the duke and influential Stuttgart land barons led to the duke moving temporarily from Stuttgart to Ludwigsburg. In the long run, the castle was prohibitively expensive to keep just as a temporary residence. In 1770 it housed a high school founded by Duke Eugen. In 1775, the Karlsschule academy moved to Castle Solitude. It served as an academy of arts, a military academy, and later a general university for children of the elite. Eventually, maintenance costs led to its closure as a school after the Duke's death late in the 18th century. Between 1972 and 1983, the Federal Republic of Germany restored the castle.

Since 1990, the annexed buildings (Officen-building and Kavaliers-building) have housed the Akademie Schloss Solitude. The Kavaliers building incorporates living quarters for students.

Castle Solitude was designed by a working group at the ducal court under the guidance of Philippe de La Guêpière with active input from Duke Karl Eugen and master craftsmen. Its exterior is typical Rococo. On the inside, however, the style is characteristic of classicism: instead of the irregular lively forms typical of Rococo, the proportions of the rooms and wall are typically classical in design.

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Details

Founded: 1764-1769
Category: Palaces, manors and town halls in Germany
Historical period: Emerging States (Germany)

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Lawrence Adeusi Dada (3 years ago)
The lost glory, what remains can be seen within the complex. The only glory that will stand forever is that of God.
Jason McDonnell (3 years ago)
Beautiful castle. Tour guide was very good with a lot of knowledge.
Sunny McKaig (3 years ago)
The cafe was over crowded and only offered dessert. The restaurant only offered room if you had reservations. Beautiful view but kind of a let down.
Dominic Hecker (3 years ago)
A very nice and tiny castle in Stuttgart, near Stuttgart- Weilimdorf and Stuttgart-Botnang. It's the only castle in top of a mountain in Stuttgart with a very great view to the north. In good conditions one can even see the city of "Heilbronn", which is about 40-50 km apart from Stuttgart. Also the History of the castle, with all the Details, is explained on different (big) Signs around the castle, but you have to do a Walk around the Castle and The forest around it to discover it all ;)
Jas H-Kr (3 years ago)
Lovely big grassy space (with big trees for shade) to have a picnic with friends. There is also a toilet available, which is decently clean for a publicly available toilet!
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