Osnabrück Palace
Description
The Osnabrück Palace was the residence of Protestant Prince-Bishop Ernst August I of Brunswick-Lüneburg and his wife Sophie of the Palatinate. Built in Baroque style starting in 1667, it became a prestigious symbol of authority. The palace was completed in 1673 and served as the administrative seat of the Prince-Bishopric of Osnabrück.
Sophie, who helped design the palace gardens, deeply missed Osnabrück after the family moved to Hanover in 1679. Her son, King George I of Great Britain, died in the palace in 1727 during a journey to Hanover. Over time, Catholic bishops returned, and the palace fell into neglect until renovations took place under Bishop Friedrich von York in the late 18th century.
In 1803, the palace was repurposed for administrative use. It was heavily damaged during World War II and rebuilt by 1953. Today it is the main building of the University of Osnabrück.