State capital, founded in 1160 and still a charming town. Schwerin Castle, on the lake of the same name and surrounded by a terraced garden crossed by a canal, was for many decades the residence of the Dukes of Mecklenburg and is one of the finest examples of German Gothic architecture. In the historic old quarter of the city are the well-preserved Gothic Cathedral, the Town Hall and an interesting museum with collections of French, German and Dutch paintings from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. There is a fine baroque opera house.