Würzburg Residenz
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Baroque architects representing both the French and Austrian styles assisted in designing the Residenz for the Prince Bishop of Wurzburg in 1720. The painted frescos were done by one of the finest Venetian artists of the day, and the interiors were sweeping and grand without being overdone. These features lead Napoleon to call it ‘the nicest parsonage in Europe’. The layout appears in the shape of a bridge from above, a long narrow section with two wide wings centred around four closed courtyards and the open, arrival court. Its façade is boxy but graceful, like a vast dolls house with a small pointed roof and symmetrical windows. The many hands that touched the work meant that the building took almost 50 years and the death of several Prince Bishops to complete. Unfortunately after all that work the Residenz was bombed in WWII and much of it was burned down, leaving only the Vestibule, Imperial Hall, the Garden Hall, White Hall and, fortuitously, the beautiful sweeping staircase. The Imperial Hall is one of the grandest rooms, a flurry of stucco work in white, red and yellow marble. Most of the 400 rooms and original design have been rebuilt and are now used by the University of Wurzburg and a museum to the Residenz.
4 / 5
Review by editor ‘Würzburg Residence with the Court Gardens and Residence Square’'This magnificent Baroque palace – one of the largest and most beautiful in Germany and surrounded by wonderful gardens – was created under the ... Read more » Review by press. Have you been here? Why not add your own review or report an error. |
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