Of the few streets among the Mannheim squares which have a name, the "Planks" must surely be the best known. In former times, wooden planks were laid on the ground between the Water Tower and Parade Square so as to allow well-to-do ladies to keep their feet dry as they strolled around. Nowadays the Planks are a pedestrian zone and, lined with elegant shops, cafés and shopping arcades, form Mannheim's busy shopping district.