Wuerzburg Castles

Würzburg Castles

Würzburg Residenz
		In 1719, the emperor Johann Philipp Franz von Schönborn put the young architect Balthasar Neumann in charge of designing a new palace for him in the city. Although the construction works took more than 24 years until they were finished and the design of the interior even longer, the Residenz became one of the most impressive and beautiful palaces of baroque style in Southern Germany. In addition, is is regarded to be one of the most important palaces of Europe. Unfortunately, only the main section survived the Second World War.

However, the restoration works were carried out quite carefully and patiently and now, the Residenz is as great as it used to be. In the 18th century, the Italian Giovanni Battista Tiepolo created the largest fresco throughout the world at the Grand Staircase of the Residenz by Balthasar Neumann. You also should not miss the White Hall, the Imperial Hall and the Mirror Hall when you visit the Residenz.
		Würzburg Residenz

Marienberg Fortress (Festung Marienberg)
	The striking and impressive "Festung Marienberg" (Marienberg Fortress) that you can even see from a distance used to be the fortress of Würzburg's prince-bishops since its construction in the year 1201. Built on castle ruins from the 8th century, it served as Würzburg's stronghold until the beginning of the 18th century and was one of the most important German fortifications. Only in 1631 during the Thirty Years' War, Swedish troops managed to occupy it.
Marienberg Fortress

Julius Echter had an important influence on the appearance of the fortress when he redesigned it to a palace of Renaissance style in the 16th century. In addition, Johann Phillipp von Schönborn caused the reinforcement of the buildings with still impressive bastions.