Höchstädt Palace, Höchstädt, Germany

Höchstädt Palace is one of the most outstanding monuments of the former principality of Pfalz-Neuburg. It was built when Count Palatine Philipp Ludwig von Neuburg married the duke's daughter Anna von Jülich-Kleve-Berg in 1574. In the marriage contract the count undertook to have an appropriate widow's seat built for his wife.

In 1589-1603 masons from Grisons under the supervision of Gilg Vältin erected a symmetrical new building in the late Renaissance style from plans by the Burglengenfeld architect Lienhart Grieneisen. The Gothic tower of the preceding castle was incorporated in this building as the bell tower.

Duchess Anna lived from 1615-1632 as a widow in Höchstädt. Whereas her son Wolfgang Wilhelm Pfalz-Neuburg reconverted to Catholicism for political reasons, she kept her Protestant faith. This is reflected by the paintings on the vault of the palace chapel, some of the finest evidence of southern German Protestantism before the Counter Reformation.

Subsequently the palace was used for lesser purposes. It is for this reason, however, that it has retained much of its original character as a late Renaissance princely seat. In the last few years it has been comprehensively restored and is also used by the District of Swabia (Bezirk Schwaben) for special exhibitions. A room on the 2nd floor provides information about the building history and uses of Höchstädt Palace, illustrated with historic exhibits.

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Schloss Höchstädt

User Reviews

Josip Rosandić (2 years ago)
We didn't go inside to see the museum, but just on the outside it is a sight to behold.

Edward Browne (2 years ago)
Outstanding exhibition on the Battle of Blenheim, very informative and very nicely done. The staff are very welcoming and seem truly enthusiastic about their offerings.

Gigi (3 years ago)
Hochstadt an der Donau! Really beautiful town with an amazing Castle. I advice to visit.

Dorothee Hildebrandt (3 years ago)
I only had a piece of layer cake and an iced coffee, but I was treated very well. It seemed to me, that there were a private party, but was told, there is still space for other customers. Though I stayed. The layer cake was good, so was the iced coffee. I can recommend this place.

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