德國司圖佳特-Ludwigsburg Palace

Ludwigsburg Palace is Germany's largest baroque palace and features an enormous baroque garden. It is located in the city of Ludwigsburg (10 km north of Stuttgart's city center). The Palace was at times one of the most magnificent courts in Europe (according i.a. to G. Casanova).
The foundation stone was laid on May 17, 1704 under Duke Eberhard Ludwig of Württemberg (reigning monarch from 1693 to 1733). One year later the site was named "Ludwigsburg" (in English: Ludwig's castle). Begun as a hunting lodge, the project became much more complex and gained momentum over the years. On August 17, 1709, the duke established the city of Ludwigsburg directly next to his palace. In 1718, Ludwigsburg became temporarily capital and sole residence of the dukes of Württemberg. Later on, under the successors of Eberhard Ludwig, the residence was transferred back to nearby Stuttgart. In 1733, when the construction phase had been completed, the baroque style was absolutely prevailing in Germany. Eventually, successors of Eberhard Ludwig modified the original design of the palace. Especially, Duke Carl Eugen of Württemberg (1728 - 1793) and King Friedrich of Württemberg (1754 - 1816) have to be mentioned.