EXPERIENCE GERMANY'S VERSAILLES
I was delighted to visit Würzburg Residence, Germany’s very own Versailles palace located in the city of Würzburg, on the Main River, as part of a Scenic European river cruise. Visiting Würzburg palace was a highlight and a wonderful experience I will treasure.
The city of Würzburg is renowned for the splendorous Würzburg Residence, an enormous opulent Baroque palace, luxuriously decorated throughout 4 levels in ostentatious style. Anyone with a love of history, art and architecture should not miss seeing Würzburg Residence, one of Germany’s grandest and most beautiful palaces.
Glorious court gardens in English and French style landscaping at the rear adorned with sculptures, stairs and arbours. The palace houses its own church and winery.
At the front of the palace is the large Residence Square, with the Franconia fountain and nothing else other than cobblestone paving, making it the fanciest car park ever seen.
I’ve been lucky enough to visit France’s magnificent Palace of Versailles, and the Würzburg Residence is equally as grandiose, if not more so.
Prince-Bishops’ Residence
Built in the 1700’s for the Würzburg Prince-Bishops who lived here for 70 years. They were ecclesiastical Princes of the Schönborn family and served as secular and religious leaders of the German State of Franconia from 1720’s until the early 1800’s.
Construction of the palace was inspired by the Palace of Versailles in France and was a joint effort of brilliant European architects, builders, stucco workers and artists, and has more than 350 rooms. The whole site stretches across 36.5 acres, and is UNESCO World Heritage listed, as one of the most impressive monuments in Europe.
Inside Würzburg Residence
Today 40 of the most majestic rooms in the palace are open for visitors to stroll through and I was gobsmacked at how meticulously restored and insanely beautiful they all are. Words cannot adequately describe the exquisite detailing and embellishments of the luxurious chambers. As I walked through, one room after the other, the mesmerising opulence and extravagance of the decor was breathtaking and a sight to behold.
A treasure-trove of period furniture, Venetian glass chandeliers, European tapestries and artwork is on display throughout all the rooms and is a testament to the extreme wealth of the original owners. In addition, there is a branch of the State Gallery in the complex housing 18th century paintings of Europe.
Grand Staircase and Remarkable Ceiling Fresco
Undoubtedly the most famous feature of the Residence is the grand central staircase, with its sumptuous ceiling fresco, the largest in the world, painted in the 1750’s by the world’s best fresco painter, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and his sons, who were summoned from Venice.
A remarkable achievement, the masterpiece took over a year to paint, covering an area of 600 square metres and the theme is ‘Allegory of the Planets and Continents’.
The scene illustrates the Greek God Apollo and the 4 known continents of the world at the time, Europe, Asia, Africa and America, each portrayed by a woman on an animal. Sadly, no Australia and Antartica.
The fresco is a vision of colours, landscapes, animals, and symbols around a central heaven.
The magnificent staircase and ceiling are the highlights of the palace and it’s a privilege to walk the red carpet steps like royalty and admire the artistry.
Mirror Cabinet
The extremely ornate Mirror Cabinet dazzles with brilliance and I wasn’t prepared for it. When I entered I was overwhelmed by the bright gold artwork reflecting off the glass walls.
A unique technique of reverse glass painting was used to create this special effect, where the walls are totally covered in glasswork and intricate gold leaf giving it the wow factor.
Definitely the most popular attraction in the Würzburg palace, the striking Mirror Cabinet exudes Rococo artistry and is the jewel in the crown of the whole residence.
Other Exquisite Rooms
Every room is exquisitely decorated and elegantly furnished. A vast collection of artistic masterpieces and historical artefacts abound throughout all the chambers and halls.
Here is a selection of photos showcasing some of the other striking and vibrant rooms I visited and admired. There is so much to take in and appreciate, room after room. I didn’t want to leave.
Court Church
Outside the palace there is a separate entrance for the Court Church, and is free to enter. I think many people don’t know it’s there, hence this hidden gem isn’t very busy.
Originally built as a private chapel for the Prince-Bishops, it is fairly small, but the interior is no less striking. The Baroque style is continued throughout the church. The sumptuous coloured marble, gold detailing and lavish decoration are quite eye-popping. The curved features and lighting enhance the aesthetics.
General Info About Würzburg Residence
- The Court Gardens are FREE to enter via the decorative iron gates.
- The Palace is open to the public almost everyday, check times here.
- Allow at least 2 hours to take a tour of the public rooms and explore the gardens and church.
- Layout of the Würzburg Residence can be found here.
- Photos and videos used to be banned but are now allowed, without tripods or flash.
- Large objects cannot be carried and must be left in a locker room downstairs.
- There is a wine cellar door to the left of the square and a restaurant to the right.
- The Würzburg University Art Museum is housed here at the Palace.
- Concerts, festivals and special events are held here during the warmer months.
Pin it, please
MORE SNAZZY TRIPS
-
10 Essential Tips For Driving In Italy
IMPORTANT INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW Are you thinking of driving... -
10 Interesting Sights In Budapest
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS AND SOME LESS TOURISTY PLACES These 10 interesting sights... -
Explore The Scenic Mornington Peninsula Bay Trail
Explore Mornington Peninsula Bay Trail, a scenic coastal walking and... -
Visiting The Colosseum In Rome
THE ROMAN EMPIRE'S GREATEST MONUMENT Are you planning on visiting the...
