WÜRZBURGER RESIDENZ

This palace is a true architectural gem, undoubtedly one of the most sumptuous Baroque castles in Europe. Everything here exudes elegance, opulence and refinement. A visit to the Würzburg Residence gives an idea of the princely lifestyle of the powerful ecclesiastics who ruled the city for centuries. The symmetry of the building, which epitomizes the values of absolutism, is impressive when entered from the Residenzplatz. It's easy to see that this palace is no match for Munich's Residenz or Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace.

Construction of the Würzburger Residenz began in 1720 on the initiative of Prince-Bishop Johann Philipp Franz von Schönborn. The design was entrusted to Balthasar Neumann, an architect responsible for numerous Baroque and Rococo masterpieces throughout southern Germany. Würzburg also owes him the Schönborn Chapel in the north transept of St. Kilian's Cathedral and the Käppele on the Nikolausberg. In all, the palace took over 60 years to complete! In fact, the Prince-Bishop didn't even see the project through to completion - he died four years after work began. Fortunately, his successors continued to develop the Residence. The side wings of the Résidence were largely destroyed by bombing during the Second World War, but a titanic reconstruction effort has restored them to their former glory. Impressive photos of the bombed-out city give an idea of the reconstruction work accomplished. In 1981, UNESCO officially recognized the genius and exceptional character of the Würzburger Residenz by adding it to the prestigious list of World Heritage Sites. And this recognition is fully deserved! It's no surprise, either, that Würzburg is on the Romantic Road - in fact, it's the very first stop on the route.

A visit to the castle begins with the grand staircase leading to the second floor. The ceiling features the world's largest and most famous fresco by Giovani Battista Tiepolo, depicting the four continents known at the time: Europe, Asia, Africa and America. The allegory of Europe represents the princely court of Würzburg, a skilful display of power. Other highlights of the Residenz include the Weisser Saal or White Hall, with its rich ceiling moldings, the immense Kaisersaalwith another fresco by Tiepolo depicting Barbarossa, and numerous sopraporte depicting scenes of ancient rulers. Finally, the Spiegelsaalroom of mirrors, with its animals and flowers painted on the walls and extending from the ceiling.

The Hofkircheanother of the palace's enchanting settings, is also the fruit of collaboration between Neumann and Tiepolo. Inside, it's a Baroque festival of twisted pink marble columns topped by Corinthian capitals covered in gold leaf, with numerous white marble statues... The church isn't large, but what a spectacle!

In the south wing of the castle is the Martin von Wagner Museum, with collections of paintings and sculptures.

Just behind the castle, the Hofgartenthe Hofgarten, the castle garden, is a perfect blend of English and French styles. A true success story. In summer, concerts are held in the garden. Could you imagine a more beautiful setting?