Paradeplatz

The Paradeplatz is a central square in the city center of Mannheim at square O 1. It derives its name from the historical fact that it was used for troop parades during the time of the Electors, and in the 18th century, it was referred to as Alarmplatz.
As early as 1717, the first plans for the redesign of the Paradeplatz were presented as part of the reconstruction of Mannheim after the Palatinate Succession War. With the construction of the merchants' hall by Elector Carl Philipp to strengthen Mannheim as a trade location, the design of the square was also actively promoted. As part of the square's design, the Grupello Pyramid, which had previously been located in Düsseldorf, was brought to the site where it still stands today. In 1893, it was enhanced with several other bronze statues by Johannes Hoffart and additional structures, acquiring its present form. In 1895, the Paradeplatz was redesigned, and more garden elements were added. However, the satisfaction with this solution was not high. Until the end of World War II, there were recurring plans for redesign. In 1942, a deep bunker was built under the Paradeplatz, destroying its then appearance. After World War II, the square remained fallow until the construction of the town hall. After lengthy discussions, it was decided in the 1980s to restore the square to its historical state of 1895.

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