Home of castles and palaces

Solitude Palace in Stuttgart

Baden-Württemberg is rich in colourful, atmospheric and, in the truest sense of the word, telling historic monuments – richer and more diverse than any region in all of Germany. There are hundreds of castles and palaces in Baden-Württemberg: Some are in ruins, but most are well maintained and full of priceless historic artefacts– with old furniture, valuable books and collections of weapons, and they host a large number of events of all kinds. Annually, around 2.8 million people visit the old manors. The castles are often located in small communities, built on rivers and lakes or on ridges where the natural environment promises the most protection.

Diversity is possibly the most noticeable aspect of the palaces and castles in Baden-Württemberg. The vast round flowerbed at Schwetzingen Castle, with its splendid park – a combination of a baroque-style building and English garden – and historic theatre, where operas and concerts are held, draws visitors from outside the region. The old Götzenburg in the romantic Jagsttal, the ancestral castle of the von Berlichingen family, has the appeal of an old mediaeval knight’s castle. The knight’s iron hand is on display in the castle museum. Goethe’s play has been performed in the courtyard for over 50 years. The Götzenspiele in Jagsthausen have become a classic among open air theatre performances.

Castles – the epitome of romanticism

The Renaissance palace Weikersheim

The picturesque Meersburg is enthroned over the edge of Lake Constance at the southern end of Baden-Württemberg. It is the oldest inhabited castle in Germany. In contrast, the Renaissance palace Weikersheim offers the beauty of a country residence. Here, visitors are observed by the life-size animal sculptures on the walls of the magnificent knight’s hall.

Near Stuttgart, Germany’s largest Baroque palace awaits its visitors: Ludwigsburg, the residence of the dukes and kings of Württemberg, and its two smaller properties, the hunting and summer residence Favorite and Monrepos, located on the lake, form a unique trio of palaces.

Hohenzollern and Sigmaringen Castles dominate the slopes of the Swabian Alb, witnesses to the ancient Hohenzollern dynasty which is so intertwined with the history of this region. The state’s tourism highlight shines on the Heiligenberg: the ruins of Heidelberg Castle. It is the epitome of romanticism and welcomes millions of tourists from around the world throughout the entire year – not just during the summer months, when the castle is illuminated.
The picture book of Baden-Württemberg’s cultural history was built over many centuries, with the earliest structures dating back to before 1000 as people living north of the Alps gradually learned to create stone structures.

Fortresses, typically used for both living and defence in the Middle Ages, were at the height of construction around 1200 under the Staufen family. At this time, such structures were not just built for kings, but were often the home to privileged lords. The system of feudalism with its independent local authorities formed the basis of the existence of fortresses. Residing in armoured buildings in the hills or behind moats made it possible for the nobility to exercise their sovereign rights while protecting themselves.

The aristocratic residences became more magnificent after the Middle Ages after they no longer served the function of defending against enemies, but became grand symbols of power in the form of palaces. In the 17th and 18th centuries, palaces and castles demonstrated the power and wealth of their owners through ornate artistic facades, long enfilades and enormous staircases. Large parks were built surrounding the buildings. Palaces are works of art in themselves, in which architecture, painting, sculpture, applied arts and decorations were unified in a way not achieved since. Baden-Württemberg offers a wealth of cultural history from all eras – from the state capital to the most remote corner.

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Links

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Baden-Württemberg

• A romantic symbol – Heidelberg and its castle

• Hohenzollern Castle – Prussia's ancestral seat in Swabia

• "A great lookout with full view of the world cup stadium" – Interview with Jürgen Schad, Head of the State Department for Castles and Gardens in Baden-Württemberg

• Interesting castle and palace rarities

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