Stuttgart, << STUHT gahrt >> (pop. 579,988), is the capital of the German state of Baden-Württemberg. It was formerly the capital of the duchy and kingdom of Württemberg. Stuttgart lies along the Neckar River. It is a center of German cultural, economic, and political life. Many buildings in Stuttgart are noted for their fine architecture. They include the Altes Schloss (Old Palace) in Renaissance architectural style and the Neues Schloss (New Palace) in Baroque and rococo styles. Both palaces served as residences for the dukes and kings of Württemberg. Stuttgart has dedicated a square and a monument to the German playwright and poet Friedrich Schiller, who was born in the Duchy of Württemberg.
Allied air raids hit Stuttgart heavily in World War II (1939-1945) because the city had automobile and machine tool factories. These industries, as well as the manufacture of precision instruments and such electronic products as computers, still dominate the city’s economy. Stuttgart is also a publishing center. In addition, the city lies in a rich farming area that is famous for its wine.
