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Castles in SouthernGermany

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Schloss Ludwigsburg: MyFavorite Castle Tour inGermanyMarch 16th, 2012

Schloss Ludwigsburg (Ludwigsburg Palace) is my favoritecastle tour in Germany. The 90 minute tour gives you insightsinto what life in a castle was really like, and how royaltybehaved behind closed doors. Even my German husbandenjoyed the castle tour and he’s not a fan of castle tours ingeneral.

The courtyard of Schoss Ludwigsburg.

Schloss Ludwigsburg was built in 1707 and was the residentialpalace of the Dukes and Kings of Württemberg. It is one ofEurope’s most impressive Baroque buildings and is renownedfor its artistic achievements, many of which are displayed onthe ceilings of the palace and making me believe that frescosare the most dangerous cultural attraction in Europe:

One of the most ornate hallways I've even seen is found inSchloss Ludwigsburg.

There’s no doubt that Schloss Ludwigsburg is impressive, butlots of castles are impressive: Heidelberg Castle, HohenzollernCastle, the diminutive (by castle standards) LicthensteinCastle, and the Munich Residenz, to name a few. It’s theglimpse into the secret lives of the royals and servants who

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lived here that I found fascinating. Can you imagine beingsurrounded by opulence, yet having to dine in a windowlessunheated room as the servants did?

The windowless servant's quarters at Schloss Ludwigsburg.

The bedroom below may look like a rather lavish, but typicalroyal bedroom until our guide takes us through the secretpanel hiding the secret stairway to Duke Eberhard Ludwig’smistress’ bedroom and the servant’s stairway.

Can you spot the secret panel hiding the secret stairway for theDuke's mistress?

I’m not sure why Duke Eberhard Ludwig felt the need forsecrecy though, as his wife lived in the much more modest OldPalace in Stuttart, over 20km away from Ludwigsburg, not farfrom Stuttgart’s only castle ruins. Wilhelmine von Grävenitzmay have only been a misstress, but she was very powerful. Duke Eberhard Ludwig was so love sick that he essentiallylet her rule over the state of Württemberg for 20 years makinghim the subject of gossip.

Then we have poor Elisabeth Friederike von Brandenburg-Bayreuth who had the unfortunate marriage to Duke CarlEugen and likely didn’t use her secret staircase to herhusband’s bedroom, since he was so busy carrying on the sameamorous life he lead before his marriage, while under the sameroof as his wife. One can only imagine how often the secretstaircase to his bedroom was used – and not by his wife!

Despite living in opulence at Schloss Ludwigsburg, life wasmiserable for Elisabeth Friedenke von Brandenburg-Bayreuthdue to her husband's wandering eye.

After a few years of her husband’s extra-marital affairs,humiliation and political failings, Elisabeth Friederikevon Brandenburg-Bayreuth had enough and left SchlossLudwigsburg for good, perhaps on one of those flights to Berlinleaving Duke Carl Eugen without an heir.

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The Ludwigsburg Palace gardens were often used as a banquethall, thanks to Duke Carl Eugen.

The one thing that Duke Carl Eugen had going for him was thathe knew how to throw a good party. He was in fact famousfor his court festivities, operas and theater performances atSchloss Ludwigsburg, which still holds performances todayand is home to the world’s largest pumpkin festival each year.

Schoss Ludwigsburg’s walls may not talk, but by the end ofthe 90 minute tour, I could have sworn they were whisperingsecrets in my ear, warning me living in a castle is not alwaysa fairytale.

See the Schloss Ludwigsburg homepage for more info.

I think I do want a hallway of humongous chandeliers though.my hallway is about 6′ long. I wonder how many i could fit. jenjenk recently posted..Cappadocia, Turkey: ButterflyBalloons Hot Air Balloon Flight

@jenjenk – I spent several minutes in it just staring and ifyou’re going to have a hallway like that you’ve got to have thechandeliers to go with it

@Inka – Thanks, I love these kind of stories as it’s easy to getcarried away thinking how wonderful it would be to live in acastle when the reality may have been very different.

Wow – my princess-loving daughter would go mad for thiscastle. The castle and the grounds are beautiful and I lovehearing about the history of the castle and the people who livedthere.

Even though I love art and architecture, Baroque decoration isnot really my thing, but this castle does look like quite a placeto visit. I actually had not heard of it before. Next time I’m inGermany, I’ll have to put it on the list.

What an amazing castle–and stories to go with it! I wonder ifthey ever got bored living in a place like that…. even with theservants, they could have been kept busy just wandering in thegarden!

Was this on the Amazing Race? I have never been there, but Iswear it looked familiar. I would like to go. WOW! That lookssuper cool.Courtney Mroch recently posted..Movie Monday: Jaunt toQuebec City’s Chateau Frontenac

I love the idea of a tour really delving into castle life. The lackof privacy alone makes it so unappealing to me! I loove reading

historical fiction to learn more about that life… It’s so differentthan what we know now!

Well I’ve just added Ludwigsburg to my list of castles to visit!Ludwigsburg is very beautiful and I too love all the stories andhistory gained by touring castles.Debbie Beardsley recently posted..European VillagesDiscovered – Giethoorn

A beautiful palace filled with intrigue… love it! Can’t help butwonder if the Duchess had a secret visitor as well, back in theold palace.

Wow, majestic! It doesn’t seem to busy either, unlike Versaillesfor instance, which is good. Because let’s face it, it’s not fun tovisit a place when you have to queue everywhere to get a peek.Zhu recently posted..Charity Begins at Home (And isEverywhere)

Gorgeous views, I always enjoy exploring the castles, though Ihave only been to one in Germany that offered an English tour.I still loved exploring the rest of them and reading about themin a guide.

Beautiful. Castle tours in Germany are normally so dry.You’ve made me want to visit this one. I particularly like theexpansive difference between the drab servants’ quarters andthe opulence of the castle.

I love old castles and all their fancy carvings and paintings NoI would not like to live in that era as a servanteileen ludwig recently posted..Eight Elements of Design stirimagination

Photo Journey to HeidelbergCastle in GermanyMarch 16th, 2012

Heidelberg Castle is one of Germany’s most famous castles, along with the Munich Residenz and Hohenzollern Castle. It’s nestled on top of a hill overlooking Heidelberg. Notsurprisingly in the summer it is packed with tourists, but inspite of all the tourists, I still find Heidelberg Castle simplymajestic:

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It’ not just the exterior walls of Heidelberg Castle that arebeautiful, the interior walls also demanded my attention:

Heidelberg Castle is not all beauty though, it is over 700 yearsold after all. In many ways Heidelberg Castle reminds me of anelegant older woman’s face. It looks beautiful from a distance,but when you get too close you start seeing all the wrinkles,reflecting the age of its owner. But instead of judging thewrinkles as flaws, it just makes the woman more beautiful andgives her even more depth. And Heidelberg Castle definitelyhas it’s “wrinkles” after being damaged by fire not once, butthree times. Twice by the French in war and the third timewhen it was struck by lightening making it uninhabitable.

You can still see the damaged caused by one of the three firesto Heidelberg Castle.

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Heidelberg Castle proudly wears it scars, reflecting its lifehistory. I think it’s looking pretty good for being over 700years old.

Some of the items on display at the Apothecary Museum.

Heidelberg Castle also has two other unusual claims tofame. It houses the World’s Largest Apothecary Museum(Deutsches Apotheken Museum) located on the ground floorand included with your admission ticket. At the ApothecaryMuseum visitors can see over 20,000 pharmacy relatedobjects. The collection dates back over 2000 years and a quicklook at the medical equipment makes you thankful that youdidn’t live in the middle ages. As regular readers know, I lovemy quirky museums with the World’s Largest Pig Museum inStuttgart still being one of my favorites.

And wine lovers may be interested in the Heidelberg Tun, theworld’s largest wine barrel measuring 7m high x 8.5 m widewhich could hold 220,000 liters of wine. Why was such a largewine barrel needed at Heidelberg Castle? To hold the taxesfrom the wine growers who often paid in wine. Legend has itthat the wine barrel watcher used to imbibe so much that whenhe drank water by mistake he died.And the view from Heidelberg Castle is not too bad either:

The view of Heidelberg from the Castle.

An hour south of Heidelberg you can continue your castlejourney with Schloss Ludwigsburg, which is my favorite castletour, before heading further south to Hohenzollern Castle andthe small, yet worth visiting Lichtenstein Castle.

Nice! I was there a few weeks ago, which was great–theweather was nice and there weren’t too many tourists yet.

I always found it funny when I first came to Canada that to alot of N. Americans, Europe = castles. I mean, it’s true but Igrew up by a castle and to me there wasn’t anything special

What amazing pictures! When I studied in Germany, I wenttwice to Heidelberg for a visit but was really unlucky with theweather… so my pictures are by far not as nice as yours!Katherina recently posted..Photo Essay- For The Love ofTulips

@Debbie – Glad that you enjoyed it and I agree, it’s amazingwhen a place is touristy and still magical, but in my opinionHeidelberg fits into that category.

@Gina – Glad to hear there weren’t so many tourists and youmake an excellent point, you can avoid many of the tourists bygoing in the off season.

@Zhu – You’re so right, I’m fascinated by castles and theirhistory, my German fiance, not so much. I guess Europeansget used to them, but I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of visitingcastles.

@Katherina – Thanks and glad you were able to make it theretwice. I’ve been a few times and have always gotten lucky withthe weather.

@Arti – Heidelberg Castle is one of my favorites and that’ssaying a lot since there’s ~25,000 castles in Germany.

Magnificent post with great pics and love your analogy ofthe building to an elderly woman’s face…the best part is theconclusion you draw – “the woman more beautiful and givesher even more depth.” Love that my friend!Jeff Titelius recently posted..La Sainte Chapelle – the HolyChapel – a crowning jewel on Île de la Cité in Paris- France

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[...] be interested in: Maulbronn Monastery – The MostImportant Cistercian Monastery in Europe. Photojourney toHeidelberg Castle Photojourney to the Black [...]

@Ben – No moat as it’s on a hill set back from the water a bit,but has a great view of the river.

We have a love affair with castles…. Kali often laments that hewasn’t born around the time people actually got to live in them(and, uh, he wasn’t born a noble so he actually WOULD getto live in one). Someday, though, we’ll find a castle to call ourhome! Christy @ Technosyncratic recently posted..Photo Essay-Arches National Park

I like Heidelberg. It has some similar feelings to Freiburgwith the University and the forested hills, but with moretouristyness. It is unfortunately a little too far to get to fromFreiburg easily on the train or I would go visit more often.Thanks for the pictures and reminder of what cool stuff wehave around us in this corner of the country.

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@Christy – Thanks, and Kali is so right, I don’t think life wouldhave been all that glamorous living in a castle unless you wereroyalty. The servants rooms are pretty small and look like theywould be freezing in the winter. I was amazed to see that youcan actually buy a castle – one day. I have the same dream

@Andrew – I still haven’t made it to Freiburg yet, one of thesedays, but after your comment, I’m really curious to go therenow.

Hohenzollern Castle – One ofGermany’s Top Visited CastlesMarch 16th, 2012

Hohenzollern Castle was the second castle I ever visited inGermany – talk about getting spoiled! It set a high precedentfor all future castles that I would visit: Schloss Ludwigsburg,

Heidelberg Castle, Munich Residenz and Schloss Lichtensteinjust to name a few.

View of Hohenzollern Castle. We did a 15km hike to it, but fora much easier option you can drive to the nearby parking lot.

Hohenzollern Castle is only 50 km south of Stuttgart andif you ask any local about which castles you should visitin the area, invariably Hohenzollern will be suggested. Itcommands respect even from a distance nestled on topof Mount Hohenzollern. I can imagine that its presencewould seem imposing to enemies in medieval times andbe comforting to allies. Perhaps that’s part of the reasonHohenzollern Castle served as a refuge for the Catholic citizensin the region during numerous wars, including the ThirtyYears’ War.

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The courtyard of Hohenzollern Castle. You definitely won't bealone, but I still really enjoyed visiting this castle.

The current Hohenzollern Castle is actually the third versionof the castle. Hohenzollern was originally built in the 11thcentury, but was destroyed during a 10 month siege. Thesecond version of the castle was built between 1454 – 1461but by the end of the 18th century it had lost its strategicimportance and fell into ruin. Finally, the third version of thecastle, which is Hohenzollern Castle as we see it today was builtbetween 1846 0 1867 in a Neo-Gothic style.

One of the castle towers.

One might think that would be enough for one castle to endure,but in 1978 Hohenzollern was badly damaged due to an earthquake in which 20 people had to be dug out from the crumblingcastle walls. Somehow I’m thinking that castles built over 150years ago weren’t built to be earthquake resistance.

In recent years Hohenzollern Castle has seen happier timesreceiving over 300,000 visitors each year, giving it thedistinction of it being one of Germany’s top visited castles –pretty impressive when you consider there are over 25,000

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castles in Germany. If you’re looking for something quieter,check out my favorite castle ruins in Germany.

View of the Swabian Albs from Hohenzollern Castle

Hohenzollern also serves as a summer camp for needychildren. I wish I could have gone to summer camp in a castle.

English tours are available of Hohenzollern Castle onweekends and public holidays at 11:30, 2:00 and 4:30, whichI really enjoyed and would recommend.

For more info on visiting Hohenzollern Castle see: BurgHohenzollern

Beautiful! We loved our recent wine-tasting river cruise ofGermany where we cruised down the Rhine River, seeingcastle after castle. We toured several castles and it was awonderful experience, but we would also love to tour this one!!

@Jann – Oh I haven’t done the wine-tasting river cruise yet,but it’s very high on my list. I’ve heard it’s fantastic. With25,000 castles, there’s so many to see in Germany.

Hohenzollern is the kind of castle (the fairy tale kind) that I’venever seen in person. What an interesting history. So nice thatit’s used as a summer camp for needy children. I like that.

Hohenzollern has been on my list for quite awhile! Love thepictures of this castle and its nice to know it is as nice as I havebeen thinking

@Cathy – You’re right, it really is a fairy tale castle. I love thatit’s used as a summer camp as well.

@Debbie – It’s kinda in the middle of nowhere, but I reallythink it’s worth the trip. They also have special events inthe summer which look interesting. In July we’re going to aShakespeare play held in the courtyard of the castle.

summer camp in a castle does seem pretty awesome!how close does the current castle mirror the original one? didthey change the design each time, or just do restoration work?

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Very Cool! I love German castles. I think my wife gets kindof tired how enamered I am with castles but they are so cool.Before coming to Europe the oldest building I have ever seenwas sometime like 120 years old. You see history everywherein Germany.

@Jamie – I know, summer camp in a castle sounds like somuch fun. Good question about how close the current castleis to the original one. I believe it’s quite different and that thecurrent one is much bigger and sturdier than the original oneand built in a different style. It sounds like rather significantchanges were made.

I visited when the winter market was in full swing a coupleof years ago… walked from the lower carpark to the opt todiscover I had left my wallet in the car… took the bus up secondtime around… unfrtunately the main parts of the castle areclosed during the market so no tours but still a very impressivestructure… will definately be back

Once again, I realize I don’t know anything about Germanyexcept modern history and a few Scorpion songs See, I hadno idea there were that many castles in Germany, I alwaysthought it was a French thing. Looks like people aroundEurope liked their houses big!

@Keith – I would love to see the market there. They’reperforming a Shakespeare play in English in July in thecourtyard if you’re interested. I think the setting would befantastic.

@Zhu – It’s funny because I don’t know nearly as much aboutFrance as I should and haven’t even been to a castle yet inFrance (it’s on my list). Yes, I guess Europeans did like theirhouses big – even if they kept destroying them in wars.

What?!!! over 25,000 castles! wow, and I didn’t know of asingle one when I went to Germany. Next time I go there Iwill have to visit a few, since some of them look impressive!Especially this one. I think being a kid in that summer campwould be an awesome experience!… They can say “My summercamp is in a castle”… lolNorbert recently posted..Antigua Guatemala – Photo Essay

Germany has such a wealth of castles but this is particularlyspectacular and must be a welcome sight after a 15km hike!robin recently posted..Boda

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Lichtenstein Castle: 7Interesting ThingsMarch 16th, 2012

Chances are that unless you live in Germany, you haven’t heardof Lichtenstein Castle (or Schloss Lichtenstein in German). It’s not nearly as famous as Heidelberg Castle or theResidenz in Munich, but don’t mistake its relative obscurity foruninteresting. Here are seven interesting things I found outabout Lichtenstein Castle during a recent visit:

#1. Lichtenstein Castle Has a Nickname - LichtensteinCastle is a source of pride among locals in the southweststate of Baden-Württemberg, so much so that it has acquirednot one, but two nicknames. The first is “Neuschwanstein’sLittle Brother,” after Neuschwanstein Castle, the most famouscastle in all of Germany, even though I think the nearbyMunich Residenz is nicer inside. a The second is the “FairytaleCastle in Baden-Württemberg,” again indirectly referencingNeuschwanstein Castle. No word on what the proud residentsof the nearby Hohenzollern Castle, Ludwigsburg Palace orHeidelberg Castle have to say about that.

#2. Lichtenstein Castle Isn’t Overrun withInternational Tourists – Despite being a source of localpride, Lichtenstein isn’t on the radar of most internationaltourists. As a result the 30 minute tour is only availablein German (although English speaking guests can request ahandout translating what is being said in English). It may bepossible to arrange a tour in English or French, but it is onlyfor groups and arrangements must be made ahead of time. Despite Lichtenstein not being a stop for most internationaltourists, it is popular with German tourists eager to seeNeuschanstein’s Little Brother. I personally loved LichtensteinCastle and even J.P. my German fiance who’s not much ofa castle guy said it was “cute.” My Favorite Castle Ruins inGermany are surprisingly also not overrun with tourists.

View walking up to Lichtenstein Castle

#3. Lichtenstein Castle is a Relatively Young Castle –Lichtenstein Castle is still an infant in castle years having beingbuilt between 1840-1842. However the castle grounds have amuch older history and the original castle was built in 1200,but destroyed twice until it finally fell into ruins.

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View from Lichtenstein Castle

#4. Lichtenstein Castle is a Small Castle - LicthensteinCastle is the smallest castle I’ve been in to date in Germanybutthat doesn’t make it any less impressive. Plus it offers vastviews of the Echaz Valley and Swabian Alps. And whenyou consider that Lichtenstein was only built as a huntingcastle, it does start to seem rather large. I’ve never thoughtof a castle as “cozy” but that’s the feeling I had as I touredinside Lichtenstein Castle, well except for all the antique ratheruncomfortable looking furniture.

Despite being a "cute" castle, Lichtensein has a lot of historicweapons and armor on display.

#5. Lichtenstein Castle is Based on the Novel“Lichtenstein” - How many castles were inspired by a book? I don’t know, but Lichtenstein was one of them. It wasinspired by the 1826 novel “Lichtenstein” by Wilhelm Hauff. I haven’t read the book yet, but it’s on my reading list. I’mcurious to find out how a book inspired this Neo-Gothic castle.

#6. Lichtenstein’s Name is Self Explanatory – Nointeresting story here. Lichtenstein is German for “lightcolored stone” on which Lichtenstein is build on, showing thatGerman practicality has been around for at least a couple ofcenturies.

#7. Lichtenstein Castle is Definitely Worth a Day Tripfrom Stuttgart - Lichtenstein is only an hour drive southof Stuttgart and is a scenic drive with rolling hills and smallvillages through the Swabian Alps. I would highly recommenda trip to Lichtenstein to anyone interested in exploring castles. If you wanted to turn it into a day trip, Germany’s only EasterEgg Museum is just a short drive away, as are two interestingShow Caves.

For driving directions from Stuttgart to Lichtenstein Castlesee:For more info see the official Schloss Lichtenstein homepage.

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I’m quite sure there are more than seven interesting thingsabout Lichtenstein Castle. What else can you add?

@Sheril – Looking at this, I wonder if anyone fell off the cliffwhen they were building it. As for why, I think it was to showtheir wealth and power and this castle is actually a small oneby castle standards.

Such a cute castle! I’ve never heard of it before, but when Imake it to Germany again I’d love to take a day trip there. (Itseems like it is precariously perched on that cliff and couldtopple over at any time!)Michael Figueiredo recently posted..A Tourist In My OwnBackyard part 2-

@Michael – I actually felt like I was going to fall out of thecastle, just looking out the windows . It’s definitely off thebeaten path, but if you combine it with one of the other nearbyattractions, worth a visit. It’s one of my favorite castles thatI’ve visited in Germany, in large part because of the setting.

That last picture is amazing!! Honestly, how did I miss so manythings when I was living in the area? Yes, I was miserablestudying the whole freaking time, but I so should have hadtime to see this!Sabrina recently posted..San Angelo – A Quirky Little Town inTexas

I really need some long weekends. You mention so many neatplaces that are such a pain to get to from Freiburg without acar. Andrew recently posted..Having Baggage while Traveling

I didn’t even know this was there, and it’s SO close to me!Hmmm, time to plan another cycling trip!Gina recently posted..Southern Bavarian Tour

Lovely tips and ever since 1989, I have always wanted to visitLichtenstein but never got around to it. Actually, I just caughtan episode of the Amazing Race where they had to cycle andmeasure the length of the country which was a mere 22kmlong. Fascinating!David @ MalaysiaAsia recently posted..Bai Chay TouristWharf in Halong Bay

I would love to see this one as the hordes of tourists havealways put me off making the four hour drive down from wheremy gf lives in Germany to see Neuschwanstein.robin recently posted..Tapestry

You’re really lucky to be placed so centrally in Europe. For usliving in the periphery, Lichtenstein is a bit out of the way, butI enjoyed your presentation and esp. the interpretation of thename. Never thought of that before;)Mette Christensen recently posted..Insalata d’olive

Oh boy another castle I must add to my list! I have never heardof this castle but will definitely visit. It really did remind me ofNeuschwanstein! Lovely castle perched up on that crag. Greatpics.Debbie Beardsley recently posted..Italy’s South Tirol- Wineand the Dolomites

That is a very cute castle. It really surprises me that you don’thear more about this castle and that so few tourists go there.It is very beautiful!

This one I have actually been to a couple of years ago… pickedsome castles at random while I had a free weekend on abusiness trip… definately worth a look

It does look like you might fall out of the castle! I have to agreewith your fiance, it is “cute”. Let us know how the book is… abook inspiring a castle….hmmmJillian recently posted..Photo- Kickin’ Back at the Border

@Sabrina – Maybe it has to do with being local? I do far moresightseeing in Germany than I did while living in Canada, soI know the feeling

@Andrew – This is another one of those places that is a loteasier to get to with a car (but I have a couple of train friendlydestinations coming up soon)

@Gina – The surrounding area is really nice as well and thenearby caves are also worth a stop. I think it would be a greatplace for a bike ride and we saw tons of bike paths in the areaas well.

@David – The castle in Germany ALMOST has the samename as the country you’re referring to: Liechtenstein, , exceptthat it’s spellt without an “i” after the “L” Lichtenstein. Howconfusing is that? I saw that episode of the Amazing Race aswell and will definitely have to get to Liechtenstein.

@Robin – ~ 25,000 of them to be exact. It’s insane. I hearyou about the hordes of tourists. I visited Neuschwanstein inOctober (not tourist season as it was after Oktoberfest) and itwas still really busy.

@Mette – I love living so central, but yes unless you happen tobe in the Stuttgart area, Schloss Lictenstein really isn’t close toanything else, unfortunately.

@Debbie – So many castles, so little time. I really enjoyed thisone though, but it is a bit out of the way.

@GoingKraut – I think it’s because it’s not close to anything.If it was more centrally located, I’m sure it would be popular,as it really is a beautiful little castle.

@Keith – Glad to hear you enjoyed it. I love picking castles asrandom, sometimes you get really lucky and find some greatones. If you have any other recommendations, please passthem on.

@Jillian – Agreed “cute” is a perfect word to describe thiscastle. Will let you know what I find out about the book, andhoping I can actually find it in English.

Another cool place to check out–thanks for clearing up that it’sNOT located in the really small country with (almost) the samename. Otherwise I would have spent a lot of time looking for it!

I have model of the Lichtenstein Castle section shown inphoto#7. It is wonderful to see a photo in it’s natural setting.

Photo Journey to the MunichResidenzMarch 16th, 2012

The Munich Residenz is one of the largest and most opulentpalaces in Europe and served as the main palace and houseof government for Bavarian rulers for 400 years dating back

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to 1508. Today, visitors can tour 130 rooms in the palacewith a self-guided audio tour (available in several differentlanguages) and signage that is both in German and English.The Munich Residenz was severely damaged in World WarII, but significant efforts have been made to restore it and itsfurnishings as close as possible to its original state.

One of my favorite rooms in the Munich Residenz is theRenaissance Antiquarium pictured above. This impressiveroom was where royal banquets were held and today hold thehonor of being the largest Renaissance Ceremonial Hall northof the Alps. As I wandered through the impressive hall, Isecretly pretended I was attending a royal banquet. Instead ofmingling with tourists, I was really mingling with royalty. Thisroom is one of the reasons that I believe that frescos are themost dangerous cultural attraction in Europe.

Next we move onto the Elector’s bedroom. The original silkwall hangings were destroyed in WW II so these ones intendedfor another palace were brought in. While obviously lavish, Ipersonally find it a bit feminine for an Elector and it could haveused a Fashion4Home coffee table.

The Electress’s sparsely decorated Audience Chamber left mewondering about her body functions. The room has onethrone, but two commodes.

An entire section of the Munich Residenz is devoted to theornate rooms, which was the official apartment of ElectorKarl Albrecht. The lavish rooms are meant to impress andreflect the Elector’s self-claim to Emperor status. The ornaterooms are one of the most important interiors of the GermanRococo style, sometimes referred to as “Late Baroque” a muchdifferent style than found in Heidelberg Castle, HohenzollernCastle or Lichtenstein Castle.

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The State bedroom may look fit for a king, but in fact wasonly for representative purposes, the Elector never slept inthis display bedroom. I’m sure it would have been different atSchloss Ludwigsburg where the king’s bedroom got a lot of usewith frequent visits from his lady friends.

The Emperor’s Hall is one of the Court Garden Rooms andlargely destroyed in WW II. It has only been partiallyreconstructed, but is impressive nevertheless. Today, theBavarian government hosts events here, but in “exceptionalcases” may be rented out for other functions.

The Court Chapel was reserved for members of court. Theruling family sat in the galleries, while the royal household satin the nave. The Court Chapel can be rented out for specialfunctions.

Much more intimate than the Court Chapel is the OrnateChapel, my favorite room in the Munich Residenz and privateoratory to Duke Maxmilian I. The marble on the walls is fakemarble, imported from Italy that is more expensive than realmarble.

March 16th, 2012 Published by: Laurel

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And what’s a palace without its very own theater. In the pastthe theater was only available to members of court, but todaythe Cuvilliés theater is the primary venue for the BavarianRadio Symphony Orchestra, which would be less rainy thanwatching a Shakespeare play in Hohenzollern Castle. Thebuilding was largely destroyed in WWII and the originalceiling paintings are gone, but it is still a major work ofBavarian Rococo and makes an impact upon entrance. Canyou imagine seeing a production here? (It’s on my list!). Inaddition to the palace, the Munich Residenz also houses theTreasury, a collection of crown jewels, one of which you can seeat The World’s Most Luxurious Travel Kit? making it one of thelargest and most importance palace museums in Europe. Formore info visit the official home page of the Munich Residenz.

Such a grand place! We have yet to visit Munich but this lookslike a great place to visit and try out some HDR shots given allthe details of the place. Thanks for sharing!Jeremy from Idelish recently posted..{USA} Luxurious GrandWailea in Maui

@Jeremy – I never thought about trying out HDR shots, butI’m sure your shots would turn out amazing and there’s noshortage of details to choose from.

Mm, I think I want to get married there if I have the chanceXDDD (Ceremony in Court Chapel, Dance celebration inEmperor’s Hall, and banquet at Renaissance Antiquarium…)Royalty back in the day knows how to live man…..(kind ofjealous)

Annie-FootTracker recently posted..SF(14) Fleet Weekendwith Blue Angels @Marina Green

I love seeing treasures like this….so over the top withsplendiferous, baroque, old world goodness. I would love toattend a show in that theater too. Gorgeous!!Renee recently posted..Learning to FlyFish with Will Dornan,the Snake River Angler, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Love your commentary on the tour, especially on bodyfunctions and the fact that you were pretending to be attendinga royal banquet.

Excellent pics that really show the splendor of the Residenz.I went to a play in the Cuvilliés theater 14 years ago and have

been trying lately to think of the name of the theatre. So thankyou!

It’s funny how I mostly picture these kinds of places in Italy orFrance but not in Germany. I think I tend to forget it also hasa rich history!Zhu recently posted..Fall Colours at the Park

Hi, Laurel. I like how you’ve captured the great extravagancethat is the Residenz! I was around the Residenz in München atthe end of last week, when I wandered into the courtyard of theCuvilliés-Theater to take a few photographs at night. Thanksfor your post!fotoeins recently posted..Sunset at Sandtorhafen

@Mark – The Emperor’s Hall was also one of my favoriterooms. It’s hard to pick a favorite, when they’re all so nice.

@Zhu – I never expected castles like this in either in Germanyuntil I moved here and became a regular castle goer. Now I justneed to start checking out French castles.

@fotoeins – Thanks. I’m sure it would be even more beautifulat night. I’ll have to go back for more photos then. Hope you’rein Germany to stay again.

Hi, Laurel. I hope you can get to photograph the Residenz andnearby Odeonsplatz at night! I hope to be back in Germany forthe final-third of next year, in time for the Weihnachtsmärkte(Christmas markets). fotoeins recently posted..Sunset at Sandtorhafen