Seat of Palatinate 1720-78 - Prince elector Karl Theodor ruled here 1753-78; he engaged first-class musicians like J. Stamitz, who formed the best orchestra of Europe - The “Mannheimer Schule” included also Cannabich, Holzbauer, Richter - These musicians (and the Weber sisters!) tempted Mozart four times to the town - Severe war-damage wiped out most traces of the flowering time.

The addresses in the inner city bear block codes instead of street names.