Motif bank: Voltaire (1694-1779)

"Before I die, I still want to fulfil a duty and enjoy a consolation: I want to see Schwetzingen again. This thought dominates my whole soul." Voltaire stayed several times in Schwetzingen, where he especially enjoyed the pleasures of the opera and the theatre. According to tradition, the French philosopher and writer worked on his work "Candide" in the castle. In addition, his own plays were also performed, such as "Olimpie" in 1762. A casual friendship and a lively correspondence developed between Elector Carl Theodor and Voltaire, and the Enlightenment philosopher was not infrequently asked for an opinion on political matters.