Weikersheim Palace, Weikersheim, Germany

Weikersheim Palace (Schloss Weikersheim) was built in the 12th century, however the exact year is not known. The palace was the traditional seat of the princely family of Hohenlohe. In the 16th century, Count Wolfgang II inherited Weikersheim after a division of estates and made it his main home. He converted the moated castle into a magnificent Renaissance palace, whose splendid rooms have been preserved with their furnishings. Aside from the large chandelier and the Lambris painting added in the 18th century, the banqueting hall remains in its original state. Princess Elisabeth Friederike Sophie's audience room was known as the 'beautiful room' because of its exquisite furnishings.

The baroque interior and palace garden date from 1710. The garden in particular with its axial arrangement and many statues exemplifies the baroque style. A permanent exhibition on the theme of alchemy is on display in the former palace kitchen, enabling visitors to discover more about Count Wolfgang II von Hohenlohe and his alchemy laboratory. The double-winged, arcaded orangery from 1723 has a total length of just under 100 metres and marks the point where the palace garden takes over from the untamed surrounding nature. An elaborate series of sculpted figures adorns the garden at Weikersheim Palace. This 'garden kingdom' includes the four seasons, the four elements and the four winds, the gods of the planets around the Hercules fountain, a number of other classical gods and a 'court' of dwarfs.

The palace has been owned by the state of Baden-Württemberg since 1967 when the palace was bought from the estate of Prince Constantin von Hohenlohe, who had encouraged arts-related activities at the palace. Today the palace is home to the Jeunesses Musicales Germany during the summer and the Weikersheim Think Tank. It is also used for large gatherings and weddings.

References:

User Reviews

Abi Page (10 months ago)
Probably one of the most interesting places I have ever visited. The tour of 80 minutes could have 3 times as long, there was so much to see in every room. Astonishing.

Giulia Ruggeri (2 years ago)
Incredible castle, really well preserved and I strongly recommend to visit it. On the other hand, the organisation is terrible if you don’t speak German. they don’t have any audio guide or guide in English or any other languages , but only few pages of paper guide. In conclusion, You will pay for a tour that will only be conducted in German while you’ll understand nothing and will be forced to either read the paper guide or look at the castle. Please introduce an audio guide or hire someone who speaks English !!!

Anka S (2 years ago)
I attended a wedding here and the place is fabulous. The Chapel is lovely, perfect for a wedding. The gardens are so beautiful, during evening the place looks great. The Oranjerie it's one of the best places where you can have your wedding, the place is wonderful. Would definitely recommend to visit the castle and why not, if you are in the need of a place for an event, this is a must try.

Andrew Dunn (2 years ago)
Really beautiful gardens and palace, fascinating history.

JudyF (4 years ago)
Rich history of the Hohenlohe family and a fabulous pomace to walk, hike and explore.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Zvonimir Hrvoj

Historic Site of the week

Church of St Donatus

The Church of St Donatus name refers to Donatus of Zadar, who began construction on this church in the 9th century and ended it on the northeastern part of the Roman forum. It is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia.

The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.

The circular church, formerly domed, is 27 m high and is characterised by simplicity and technical primitivism.

Weikersheim Palace

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Church of St Donatus