Palace sights in Bavaria
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
A
Residenz
The Residenz is a suitably grand palace to reflect the splendour and power of the Wittelsbach clan, the Bavarian rulers who lived here from 1385 to 1918. The edifice dwarfs Max-Joseph-Platz along with the grandiose Nationaltheater, home to the Bavarian State Opera. Its museums are among the jewels in Munich's cultural crown.
A quadriga of giant bronze lions guards the entrance to the palace on Residenzstrasse, supported by pedestals festooned with a half-human, half-animal face. Note the creatures' remarkably shiny noses. If you wait a moment, you'll see the reason for the sheen: scores of people walk by and casually rub one or all four noses. It's supposed to bring you w…
reviewed
-
B
Schloss Thurn und Taxis
In the 15th century, Franz von Taxis (1459-1517) assured his place in history by setting up the first European postal system, which remained a monopoly until the 19th century. In recognition of his services, the family was given a new palace, the former Benedictine monastery St Emmeram, henceforth known as Schloss Thurn und Taxis. It was soon one of the most modern palaces in Europe, and featured such luxuries as flushing toilets, central heating and electricity. Tours include a look into the Basilika St Emmeram.
reviewed
-
Reiche Zimmer
Upstairs and accessible all day, are François Cuvilliés' Reiche Zimmer (Rich Rooms), a six-room extravaganza of exuberant rococo carried out by the top stucco and fresco artists of the day; they're a definite museum highlight.
Also up here and only accessible in the morning are the Kurfürstenzimmer (Elector's Rooms) with some stunning Italian portraits and a passage lined with two dozen views of Italy, painted by local romantic artist Carl Rottmann.
reviewed
-
C
Schloss Nymphenburg
Commanding Schloss Nymphenburg and its lavish gardens sprawl about 5km northwest of the Altstadt. Begun in 1664 as a villa for Electress Adelaide of Savoy, the palace and gardens were expanded over the next century to create the royal family's summer residence. Franz Duke of Bavaria, the head of the once royal Wittelsbach family, still occupies an apartment within the palace complex. To get there take tram 17 from Karlsplatz.
reviewed
-
D
Schloss Concordia
After Böttinger's family of 14 outgrew the space three years later, he hired Johann Dietzenhofer to build the even grander Schloss Concordia, a moated palace a short walk south of Böttingerhaus. It's now the home of the Künstlerhaus Villa Concordia, a state-sponsored artists' residence, and is open during events and exhibits - the tourist office can let you know what's on when.
reviewed
-
E
Alte Hofhaltung
The Renaissance-style 1570 Alte Hofhaltung is a former prince-bishops' palace, built on the site of an 11th-century fortress. Its prettiest section is the inner courtyard surrounded by half-timbered, balconied buildings, reached via the Schöne Pforte (Beautiful Gate; 1573). In summer, the Calderón Festival takes place in the courtyard.
reviewed
-
F
Fronhof
The building west of the Dom Mariä Heimsuchung is the Fronhof , the former bishop's palace. In the predecessor of the current 1743 building, the Confessio Augustana was proclaimed in 1530. It's a superb setting for its annual classical concert series in July.
reviewed
-
Residenz
The Residenz is the former prince-bishops' palace, completed in 1736. It has a stunning main staircase and rococo Spiegelsaal (Hall of Mirrors) with a fresco from Greek mythology. In the square is a golden statue of Mary on a 19m-high column.
reviewed
-
G
Schloss Suresnes
The baroque Schloss Suresnes is a petite palace built in 1718 for one of Elector Max's government officials. Paul Klee had a studio here from 1919 to 1922, and it now houses a Catholic academy.
reviewed
-
H
Residenz
A symbol of wealth and prestige for the Würzburg bishops, the Unesco-listed Residenz is one of southern Germany's most important and eye-catching palaces.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
I
Deutsche Barockgalerie
The Deutsche Barockgalerie offers an exhaustive survey of German 17th- and 18th-century artists, very few of whom are household names.
reviewed
-
J
Leuchtenberg-Palais
A stately town palace modelled after a Roman palazzo and now home of the Bavarian Finance Ministry.
reviewed
