Located in Quadrate, renowned German art historian Georg Dehio described Jesuitenkirche as the most important Baroque church in southwest Germany. Dating back to 1738, this magnificent masterpiece was originally designed by renowned Italian architect- Alessandro Galli da Bibiena. As the red-sandstone facade dominated by a 75 meter (246 feet) dome allures visitors to take a closer look, the intricate elements inside are guaranteed to entice you. These include an elegant main organ designed by Paul Egell, a silver and bronze altar and a rich pulpit. The church is also said to have the largest Baroque bell in Mannheim.
Mannheimer Wasserturm was built in 1886-1889 by renowned German architect and university lecturer- Gustav Halmhuber. Soaring to a height of 60 meters (196 feet), the dominant water tower is considered as a prominent landmark of the city. In the past, the beautiful structure succumbed to severe damage during World War II. However, it was soon restored to its current neo-Baroque facade. Located in Friedrichsplatz, the lovely structure is the central attraction of the square.
Named after the Prussian Princess, Luise Marie Elizabeth, the park was built during 1892-1903. This scenic municipal park is sprawled over 41 hectares (101 acres), and houses a number of attractions, from greenhouses and an arboretum, to a rose and Chinese garden.
Opened in 2005, the SAP Arena is noted for its architecture. The massive glass-and-aluminum roof structure is breathtaking. The arena is also home to the German Ice Hockey League (DEL). An interesting feature of this arena is that it can be quickly converted from an ice hockey rink into a handball field, a concert hall or a theater stage. SAP Arena can also be rented for conferences, meetings, and seminars.
MS Connexion Complex is a popular event venue-cum-club that offers complete entertainment to its patrons. Established in 1982, though it changed hands several times, it has remained true to its roots all these decades. From live concerts to clubbing nights, comedies to plays, children's acts and parties, they host a myriad of events throughout the year.
Kunsthalle Mannheim is a contemporary art museum that was founded in 1909. The museum's building in itself is a masterpiece designed by Hermann Billing. Originally, this was a temporary set up for the International Art Exhibition that was held in 1907 to celebrate 300 years of the city's establishment. However, the building was kept intact and many modern artworks were placed here as a part of their permanent exhibition. Several temporary exhibits of upcoming local artists are also put up at the museum. There are amazing paintings by artists like Camille Pissarro, Vincent van Gogh, Gustave Courbet, and Caspar David Friedrich, among many others, all dating back to the 19th Century.
You can get all the information that you need about the sights and the guided tours run by Verkehrsverein Heidelberg at the Tourist Information center at the main railway station. Information about accommodation is on hand and they provide different packages including a sightseeing or event program as part of your accommodation deal. Last but not the least, the Verkehrsverein is responsible for the congress service in the Stadthalle Heidelberg. It has no public opening hours, if you want to get brochures and other printed information (or souvenirs), the tourist information center at the station deals directly with the general public.
The Carl-Bosch Museum is located at the end of Schloss-Wolfsbrunnenweg. It is housed in the garage of the former Villa Bosch. The life and work of Nobel prize winner Carl Bosch (1874-1940) are presented on an area measuring 300 square meters. Eight stages of his life are on display: amongst them is his work as a chemist, technician, scientist and director of the BASF and the I.G. Farben. The museum is accessible for disabled people.
Evangelisch Emmaus-Gemeinde in Heidelberg caters to the public by encouraging children and adults of all ages to come in and enjoy a concert by the chamber choir or the trombone choir. Weddings and baptisms often take place at this church, and they welcome everyone. The peaceful atmosphere of this place will make you want to stay and listen to the melodious songs of the choir.
Aula der Universität Mannheim is a hall within the University of Mannheim. It hosts concerts, live musicals, dance shows and other entertaining events. Many regional artists and bands perform here on a regular basis. The Aula der Universität Mannheim offers a space for international artists as well. The hall also stages performances by new and up-and-coming artists. Call for further details.
Friedenskirche is an Evangelical church in the city of Ludwigshafen Am Rhein. The church was established in the 1920's and boasts a rich heritage that's a tribute to the town. The church was heavily damaged during the world wars and, after careful restorations, currently stands as the heart of religion in the city. Choirs, youth groups, social service groups and senior citizen groups co-exist along with a series of celebrations during Christmas, New Year, and Easter. Concerts and plays are often staged within the church as well so make sure to catch one of those when in town!
Wine connoisseurs will have a field day at the Weinmuseum (The Wine Museum) located inside the Historisches Museum der Pfalz Speyer. The museum archives a wine history that dates back to nearly two thousand years ago. There are old wine barrels and wine presses of the early 18th century that have been part of the museum for 100 years. The museum provides information about the rich viticulture and showcases how wine was made over the years and the contemporary lives of vintners. The biggest attraction here is a bottle of Roman wine that dates back to 300 AD and is the oldest wine in the world. Such is this intriguing museum that is a treasure trove of sorts for many. Call ahead to know more.