Augustusburg Palace

Brühl, Germany

Augustusburg Palace represents one of the first examples of Rococo creations in Germany. For the Cologne elector and archbishop Clemens August of the House of Wittelsbach it was the favourite residence. In 1725 the Westphalian architect Johann Conrad Schlaun was commissioned by Clemens August to begin the construction of the palace on the ruins of a medieval moated castle.

In 1728, the Bavarian court architect François de Cuvilliés took over and made the palace into one of the most glorious residences of its time. Until its completion in 1768, numerous outstanding artists of European renown contributed to its beauty. A prime example of the calibre of artists employed here is Balthasar Neumann, who created the design for the magnificent staircase, an enchanting creation full of dynamism and elegance. The magical interplay of architecture, sculpture, painting and garden design made the Brühl Palaces a masterpiece of German Rococo.

UNESCO honoured history and present of the Rococo Palaces by inscribing Augustusburg Palace – together with Falkenlust Palace and their extensive gardens – on the World Heritage List in 1984. From 1949 onwards, Augustusburg Palace was used for representative purposes by the German Federal President and the Federal Government for many decades.

In 1728, Dominique Girard designed the palace gardens according to French models. Owing to constant renovation and care, it is today one of the most authentic examples of 18th century garden design in Europe. Next to the Baroque gardens, Peter Joseph Lenné redesigned the forested areas based on English landscaping models. Today it is a wonderful place to have a walk.

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Details

Founded: 1725-1768
Category: Palaces, manors and town halls in Germany
Historical period: Thirty Years War & Rise of Prussia (Germany)

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Agnes (7 months ago)
What a serene, beautiful place! Many decorated rooms , friendly guides & lots to see. The outside is equally beautiful I can only recommend!?????‍♀️❤️
Cameron Williams (9 months ago)
Very nice castle with guided tours in English and German , they also have little phones that can give you any language you need. Walking around the castle grounds is free and is a huge area to explore. For a tour of the castle you got the family pass for 4 people for 21€
salman keyani (9 months ago)
Brühl Castle is a hidden gem that offers a serene and relaxing experience, perfect for a family outing or a peaceful retreat. The well-maintained gardens and picturesque landscapes make it an ideal spot for children to play and explore, while the expansive grounds are perfect for walking pets. The tranquil atmosphere and historical charm of the castle provide a perfect backdrop for a leisurely day out. I strongly recommend visiting Brühl Castle if you're looking for a place to unwind and enjoy quality time with your loved ones.
Sue Poley (9 months ago)
There are guided tours in German, but they have audio guides for other languages, which is very interesting. You are only allowed to take photos in 2 rooms. You can buy a joint ticket to Brühl castle and Falkenlust castle, which are in the grounds - a 20 min walk to.
Evgeniya Yurdacan (11 months ago)
a beautiful summer residence, the gardens around the residence amaze with their beauty. The park area is very clean and well-groomed. a lot of benches. The museum is closed on Monday. cost 9.50€. the tour guides are very nice.
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