Merkurtempel — Attraction in Schwetzingen

Elector Carl Theodor von der Pfalz commissioned his architect Nicolas de Pigage to design a new garden monument.Pigage proposed to build the planned temple in the form of a romantic ruin, as opposed to the mosque. Construction began in 1784 - the latest building in Schwetzingen castle garden. Like all other buildings, the temple has a deeper meaning: as a temple, it is reminiscent of a grave, as a ruin, he reminds of the transience. The name "Mercury Temple" appears for the first time in 1791. Builder and architect could not have guessed that the decision to build a ruin would raise a good deal of questions a good two hundred years later. The responsible professionals had the unusual task of deciding which components were planned as ruin from the start and which were actually in poor condition. Numerous investigations on the construction and archival research provided sufficient answers. During the renovation, only those parts of the stone were repaired or replaced that were badly damaged in order to support the statics and the tightness of the structure. Supreme measure: as much as possible of the original substance of the idiosyncratic construction. How could the statics of the dome be secured? Because the dome is - completely following the motive of the ruin - not at all as round closed, but has a wanted break, an opening. That is why the most important element of the construction is missing: a closed metal pull ring at the base of the dome, which could accommodate the vaulting. Pigage had a good solution: he inserted an open three-quarter circle instead. This static refinement could now be secured and stabilized again. For several years the romantic structure was hidden by scaffolding. Now his long-term renovation could be completed. For this, the state of Baden-Württemberg has invested 1.43 million euros. From now on the temple of Mercury is again available at the guided tours of the State Castles and Gardens in the castle garden. It's worth it: the upper storey with its window openings was already built as a belvedere in the 18th century, as an impressive vantage point over the large pond and the famous...

Quite an impressive little romanesque-like ruin, that, like everything else in the Schwetzingen palace gardens, does not go without a deeper meaning - in this case it serves as a ruin that reminds of transience. It's quite a picturesque building sittin a top of a little hill, surrounded by beautiful flora and a pond, overlooking the nearby mosque. It is possible to visit the ground floor only, although the first floor can be apparently accessed during guided tours. The interior is simple, without any decorations or frescas. Overall worth visiting despite being the furthest attraction in the park! Visited in July 2022.

Tips: Great views from...

I love the Italian ruin look which you can also find in the Roman castell in Schwetzingen gardens. Unfortunately this one doesn't have any interior decoration. When we visited the stairs were closed but there is also a chance to go up the tower on some...