Ludwigsburg Palace, Ludwigsburg, Germany

Ludwigsburg Palace is one of the largest Baroque palaces in Germany and features an enormous garden in that style. From the 18th century to 1918 it was the principal royal palace of the dukedom that became in 1806 the Kingdom of Württemberg.

The foundation stone was laid on May 17, 1704 under Duke Eberhard Ludwig of Württemberg (reigning monarch from 1693 to 1733). Begun as a hunting lodge, the project became much more complex and gained momentum over the years.

On August 17, 1709, the duke established the city of Ludwigsburg directly next to his palace, copying the proximity of Versailles to Paris. Previously, the royal palace was the cramped and outdated Old Castle (Altes Schloss) in the heart of Stuttgart. In 1718, Ludwigsburg temporarily became capital and sole residence of the dukes of Württemberg.

In 1733, when construction was complete, the baroque style prevailed in Germany. Eventually, successors of Eberhard Ludwig modified the original design of the palace, especially, Duke Charles Eugene of Württemberg and King Frederick I of Württemberg.

In the 1740s a New Palace was built in Stuttgart, and it was favoured by some of the dukes and kings of Württemberg as their primary residence, but Ludwigsburg remained in use as well. However, under King William I of Württemberg (reigned 1816-84), the palace and especially the gardens gradually decayed because the monarch, in contrast to his predecessors, showed no interest in Ludwigsburg.

Ludwigsburg Palace was not destroyed during World War II, so a renaissance of the complex could start in the mid-20th century. The continuous garden show 'Baroque in Bloom' (Blühendes Barock), that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, opened in 1953. Today, the palace and its surrounding gardens are presented to the public in a state similar to their appearance around 1800.

The palace theatre (Europe's oldest preserved theatre) and its stage machinery from 1758 are still operational.

Ludwigsburg Palace today contains three museums, Baroque Gallery, Porcelain Museum and Baroque Fashion Museum.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Subrata Patra (3 years ago)
The place is very beautiful and the architecture and arts are also awesome. Highly recommended place if you are in Stuttgart for half a day. The ticket includes a guided tour in both English and German. Danke!

Bibi Taechanan (3 years ago)
The palace is really great and amazing! The view is incredible. There is a line to get a ticket. I think there are different prices for just taking a walk around the garden and palace and the ticket to take a look inside the palace (Didn't get it this time, but just by walking around is already a great experience!✨) There are many kind of attraction inside, where it be forest or small palace or zoo. A recommended place to visit on weekend!

Smitha Pai (3 years ago)
The palace looks quite good from the outside. However the best part is the guided tour of the palace to get to know the history & culture of this place. It's not allowed to take pics inside though.

chetan kemparaju (3 years ago)
Nice place for a day hangout. We can easily enjoy with family it has a café inside. "Ludwigsburg," meaning "Louis's castle," was named after its builder, Eberhard Louis, Duke of Württemberg. It has a hunting estate and lodge owned by the Dukes of Württemberg. There is a nice garden with a pond which is very vast and very beautiful during summer. Kids friendly. Ticket details as follows : Residential Palace · 8,50 € · 4,30 €. Family, 21,30 €. Groups of 20 or more per person, 7,70 €. Private group tours, on request ; Museum Ticket · 3,00 € · 1,50 €. *(subject to change periodically, please enquire)

Monique Struwig (3 years ago)
A breath-taking experience. The staff in general are all friendly and offer excellent service. The facilities are clean and the tour guide was very knowledgeable. A must-see destination!

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