A UNESCO World Heritage Site, an amazingly beautiful architectural ensemble, built in the best traditions of South German baroque in the first half of the eighteenth century, is the Würzburg residence. This is a picturesque palace, over the creation of which the best architects of that time worked. And not for nothing that he proudly bears the title of a masterpiece of European architecture.
Sightseeing History
The initiator of the construction was Archbishop Johann Philipp Franz von Schönborn, who at the beginning of the 18th century decided that the palace on the site of the modern residence is a bit small. However, this thought has been huddled in his heart for 15 years. Only after this time did the archbishop get the opportunity to build his masterpiece, winning money in litigation. In the same 1719, the construction of the Würzburg residence began.
The planning of the architectural structure and its construction lay on the shoulders of the famous architect Johann Balthazar Neumann. It was he who led the process. Later, the residence will be called the project of the whole life of Neumann. The maestro was subordinate to no less eminent architects from different countries. For example, Maximilian von Welsh, Germain Boffrand, Robert de Cote and Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt. Also involved in the work was the Italian Rococo artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo with his eldest son, Domenico. They designed the frescoes on the ceiling of the Imperial Hall and the ceiling above the central staircase.
The construction of the Würzburg residence lasted more than half a century. The customer, Archbishop von Schönborn, died in 1724, and never waited for his dream to come true. Therefore, two more church ministers were involved in the organization of construction and interior decoration. By the way, the interior decoration took no less effort than the construction of the building.
The residence was finally built in 1780. In March 1945, already at the end of World War II, the building was seriously damaged due to the bombing. Several halls were lost, but the main of them - the Imperial and White, - fortunately, were almost untouched. Restoration began only in 1960. It lasted a little less than half a century, almost as much as the palace was built. But during this time it was possible to restore the original interior of the halls. The doors of the main palace of Würzburg opened in 2006.
Description of Würzburg Residence
Majestic on the outside and exquisite inside - this is what can be said about the palace. It's hard to believe, but about 400 (!!!) halls and rooms are located inside the residence. True, only 42 of them are open to tourists.
Particularly noteworthy is the ceiling above the central staircase, which was painted by Giovanni and his son. Frescoes fascinate with their splendor. Striking grandeur in combination with light tenderness, the Imperial Hall. Here, the ceiling is also decorated with a fresco by Giovanni. It depicts the history of Wurzburg, one of the oldest Bavarian cities. Also, tourists have the opportunity to visit the Small Office, Green and White Halls, where you can see elegant lines of stucco molding, colored marble, huge mirrors, luxurious reliefs and gilding.
But the attraction begins to carry away even at the entrance, when people see the Hofgarten Palace Garden surrounding the residence. It also houses the Honorary Courtyard - its visiting card.
Interesting facts about attractions
It is known that Napoleon himself visited the Würzburg residence (Würzburg), moreover, three times. Twice he came with his second wife, Maria Louise of Austria, who was the niece of the Grand Duke of Würzburg, Ferdinand III. And in 1821, Prince Regent of Bavaria Luitpold was born in the walls of the residence. He ruled from 1886 to 1912. At one time, Luitpold took care of the aesthetic component of the palace: he came up with jewelry and followed him in every way.
On his own initiative, in 1894, directly opposite the entrance to the residence, the Franconian fountain was opened.
The property was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1981. The residence of the oldest Bavarian city can be safely considered one of the most beautiful and important cultural attractions of Germany.
Excursions in the Würzburg residence
You can stroll through the territory of the chic palace any day. From November to March, the doors of the residence are open from 10:00 to 16:30. In the period from April to October, the picturesque halls of the architectural object can be admired from 9 am to 6 pm. Children and youth under the age of 18 are free. For adults, a ticket costs about 8 euros (615 rubles). One small note: you can visit the walls of the main residence of Würzburg only as part of an excursion group.
What interesting things can be seen in the residence?
Firstly, while in the Würzburg Palace, you must pay attention to the fresco in the Imperial Hall and above the central staircase. She will make a lasting impression.
Secondly, the sheer size of the Würzburg Neumann residence will make you gasp. He is incredibly big. Thirdly, tourists will remember the palace park surrounding the residence. You can also go to the court church located on its territory.
What do tourists recommend? Traveler Reviews
Of course, tourists without fail recommend visiting this attraction. What she is so attracted to is no longer worth talking about. All the exceptional features of this architectural structure have been described above, and this is quite enough. Being part of the excursion group, you can enjoy the silence and tranquility of nature in a charming park, decorated with lots of decorative objects, and the architectural grandeur of the interior of the palace. By the way, in order to have more opportunities to pay attention to the smallest details and take beautiful photos, it is recommended to come to the Würzburg residence outside of the tourist season. For example, in winter or early spring.
How to get to the Wurzburg landmark?
The city is located in southern Germany, on the federal state of Bavaria, and stands on the River Main. From Munich to Würzburg can be reached by train from the main train station. Travel time is approximately 2 hours.
The residence is located at: Residenzplatz 2, 97070 Würzburg. It stands on a spacious square, 900 meters from the Würzburg railway station. You can get there by bus number 2, 6, 9, 12, 14, 16, 20, as well as by trolley buses 1, 3 and 5.
The Würzburg residence in Germany is an object uniquely beautiful, majestic, excellent, charming. Yes, and the town itself will be remembered by tourists on the positive side, since the Bavarians - and this is not a secret - are very pleasant in communication and kind people. Having visited the main palace of the city, you can stroll to other places. There are also budget and luxury hotels, so you can stay longer in Wurzburg by renting a room in one of them.