LUDWIGSBURG

city, Baden-Wrttemberg Land (state), southwestern Germany. It lies along the Neckar River, just north of Stuttgart. It was founded by Duke Eberhard Ludwig of Wrttemberg around his palace (170433), the largest Baroque castle in Germany, with 18 main buildings and more than 450 rooms. The city was chartered in 1718 and was later enlarged by Duke Charles Eugene. Set in a scenic park, Ludwigsburg Palace contains a portrait gallery of the rulers of Wrttemberg and also their burial vault, a state art gallery and archives, the castle and regional museums, and a theatre. Concerts and an annual garden show are held in the castle and park. Also notable are two other castles, Favorite (1718) and Monrepos (1760). A rail junction, the city manufactures machinery, iron and wire goods, organs, and china. Pop. (1995 est.) 86,213.