Würzburg Residence — Attraction in Würzburg

In the year 1730, however, under Prince-Bishop Friedrich Carl von Schönborn (1729–46), work on the south block began once more. In 1732-3, the front of the Cour d'honneur was completed. From 1735 onwards, the work on the central building took place with the participation of Lucas von Hildebrandt. In 1737, the main staircase by Balthasar Neumann was constructed. The garden front was completed in 1740 and the whole shell in December 1744. Neumann was mostly responsible for the Residence's town front, while Hildebrandt's work dominated on the garden side. The four interior courts of the side wings were an idea of von Welsch. The completion of the vaulted ceilings over the Emperor's Hall and the White Hall took place in 1742; the vault over the staircase in 1743. At the same time, the decorations of the Court Chapel were realized and its consecration performed in 1743. From 1740-5, the southern Kaiserzimmer (Imperial Apartments) and the Mirror Cabinet (Spiegelkabinett) were decorated by ornamental carver Ferdinand Hundt, by Johann Wolfgang van der Auvera, Antonio Giuseppe Bossi and Johann Rudolf Byss. Bossi also created the stucco-work in the White Hall during the years 1744-5. Under the rule of Prince-Bishop Anselm Franz von Ingelheim (1746-9), all building work on the Residence ceased once again. After his death, once Karl Philipp von Greifenclau zu Vollraths (1749–54) became Prince-Bishop, he ordered a resumption of construction. In the same year, Antonio Bossi completed the stucco-work in the Garden Hall, the painting of which was finished in the next year. In 1750, Lorenz Jakob Mehling, a merchant at Venice, sent Giovanni Battista Tiepolo to the bishopric residence, after the painter Giuseppe Visconti had failed. Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, assisted by his sons, decorated the Imperial Hall and the ceiling above the staircase with frescoes in the early 1750s. In 1753, Balthasar...

We spent a full day in Würzburg with the Residence Palace right at the top of our must-see list, and honestly, it was worth every minute. We arrived by car and were surprised to find parking right in front of the palace, which made starting our visit super easy. From the moment we walked through the gates, the scale and elegance of the building were incredible. Inside, the grand staircase with its enormous ceiling fresco by Tiepolo completely stole the show – you really have to pause there for a moment to take it all in. Every room we walked through was more impressive than the last, with the Imperial Hall and the Mirror Cabinet standing out as absolute highlights. After soaking up the beauty inside, we headed out to the Court Gardens, which were in full spring bloom. We took our time strolling through the colourful flower beds, neatly shaped hedges, and alongside the peaceful fountains – a perfect way to unwind after all the grandeur. The gardens are free to visit and open until dusk, so you can easily spend extra time there without feeling rushed. We’d definitely recommend visiting earlier in the day to avoid the bigger crowds, especially in the warmer months when it gets quite busy. The Residence is open daily with seasonal times, so it’s a great option whether you’re on a short stop or planning a full day. If you love history, architecture or gardens, this place...

Würzburg Residence, situated at Residenzplatz 2 in Würzburg, Germany, is an architectural masterpiece that seamlessly blends opulence and history. Built in the 18th century, this UNESCO World Heritage site reflects the splendor of the Baroque era and the vision of its architect, Balthasar Neumann.

The exterior of the residence is a testament to grandeur, with its majestic façade and well-manicured gardens. The Court Garden, adorned with sculptures and geometric designs, provides a picturesque backdrop to the imposing structure. As visitors step inside, the opulent interiors unfold, showcasing exquisite frescoes, intricate stucco work, and ornate furnishings.

The pièce de résistance is the Imperial Hall, a jaw-dropping masterpiece adorned with stunning ceiling frescoes by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. The vastness and grandeur of the hall leave an indelible impression, emphasizing the palace's role as a symbol of power and influence during its historical heyday.

Exploring the various rooms, including the White Hall and the Mirror Cabinet, offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of European royalty. The Würzburg Residence stands as a living history book, narrating tales of courtly life and artistic achievement. Its architectural prowess and cultural significance make it a must-visit destination, allowing visitors to step back in time and appreciate the splendor of Bavaria's...