Werneck Palace

Werneck, Germany

The current baroque palace, Schloss Werneck, designed by Balthasar Neumann, was built in 1733–45 by Prince Bishop Friedrich Karl von Schönborn. For half a century it was, with Veitshöchheim, a summer residence of the Bishops of Würzburg.

Beginning in 1853, the palace was converted into a hospital for the mentally ill. The hospital is thus one of the oldest psychiatric institutions in Germany. In 1940, the approximately 800 patients were murdered on the orders of Otto Hellmuth, Gauleiter of Mainfranken, as part of the Nazi elimination of mentally ill and handicapped people, Action T4.

Today the grounds of the palace, including the Baroque garden and English-style park, may be visited, as may part of the palace, chiefly the chapel, which dates to 1744.

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Details

Founded: 1733-1745
Category: Palaces, manors and town halls in Germany
Historical period: Thirty Years War & Rise of Prussia (Germany)

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Micha Hinz (3 months ago)
To say the least, I was amazed by this beautiful facility. Who expects there to be such a castle in this place??? So I definitely don't - definitely a MUST!!!!
Muneer al rawahy (17 months ago)
It’s a best orthopedic hospital, i had an appointment with professor Heinnrich and everything was great
Oana Rivera (18 months ago)
Beautiful relaxing place
Fabrícius Viana Maia (rangerfantasma) (5 years ago)
Much history.
Stefi Gudeva (5 years ago)
Beautiful!
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