The castle of Schwetzingen, originally a stronghold of the 14th century, was built between 1699 and 1715.
In 1720 it became the temporary residence of the Electoral Palatinate, until the permanent residence in Mannheim was completed. After that the castle became the summer residence of the Elector. The Electorate was abolished in 1803 and the castle came under the rule of the margraves of Baden.
The garden, created by the Elector Carl Theodor (1724-1799), has a French and an English part. It consists of waterworks and fountains, statues and sculptures, temples and pavilions, bridges, an orangerie and a mosque.