The construction of Mannheim Palace on the Upper Rhine, one of the largest absolutist baroque palaces, began under Elector Carl Philipp in 1720. Building work - including contributions by the eminent Balthasar Neumann and Nicolas de Pigage – continued on the vast palace complex for around 40 years.

This splendid building in a suburb of Düsseldorf was designed for Elector Palatine Carl Theodor by Nicolas de Pigage in the 18th century. A vast park covering over 60 hectares stretches away to the south of the palace.

Among the treasures of Schwetzingen Palace are a mosque with Moorish-style domes, a picturesque mock ruin, a bath house in marble and a splendid Apollo temple.