Johannisburg Palace, Aschaffenburg, Germany

Schloss Johannisburg was erected between 1605 and 1614 by the architect Georg Ridinger for Johann Schweikhard von Kronberg, Prince Bishop of Mainz. A keep from the destroyed 14th-century castle that had formerly stood on the site was included in the construction and is the oldest part of the castle. Until the end of the ecclesial princedoms in Germany in 1803, it was the second residence of the Prince Bishop of Mainz. At the end of the 18th century, the interior had been restructured in the style of Neoclassicism by Emanuel Herigoyen.

Karl Theodor von Dahlberg, Prince Bishop of Mainz in 1803, retained the territory of Aschaffenburg — turned into the newly created Principality of Aschaffenburg — and was awarded other territories in compensation for Mainz, which was annexed by France. From 1810-1813, Aschaffenburg was part of the Grand Duchy of Frankfurt. Aschaffenburg and Schloss Johannisburg then passed to the Kingdom of Bavaria.

During the reign of Ludwig I, Schloss Johannisburg served as the summer residence of the King. He commissioned the construction of a Roman villa known as Pompejanum within sight of the palace.

The palace was nearly destroyed in the last days of World War II and took about twenty years to fully restore.

The castle is one of the main attractions of Aschaffenburg and its landmark. Schloss Johannisburg is one of the most important buildings of the Renaissance period in Germany. It is open to the public and hosts several museums:

Gallery of paintings (with works by Lucas Cranach the Elder)
Paramentenkammer of the palace chapel (with vestments from the former treasury of Mainz Cathedral)
The residential rooms (furnished in Neoclassical style) and the Municipal Palace Museum (arts and handicraft

There is also the world's largest collection of architectural models made from cork, built by court confectioner Carl May and his son after 1792.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

merwynmachado (8 months ago)
Amazing palace. The views are stunning over the river.

Murielle Papenberg (9 months ago)
It was better a couple of years ago. Not that many things to see so I was pretty much disappointed. I expected more. It worth a visit though, but don’t expect too much.

Azam Jafari Rastegar (10 months ago)
If you enjoy historical tourist traps, Johannisburg Palace will entertain you. However there is more to see. It has an amazing view of the Main river and watching the sunset from there is really rewarding. I suggest going there in the evening and enjoy the history and nature at the same time.

J. (11 months ago)
Johannisburg Palace in Aschaffenburg is an architectural marvel and a highlight of the region. This impressive Renaissance palace stands proudly on the banks of the Main River, offering visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of the past. The exterior of the palace is breathtaking, with its red sandstone façade and beautifully maintained gardens. As you approach, the sheer size and elegance of the building leave a lasting impression. The views from the palace grounds are equally stunning, providing picturesque scenes of the river and surrounding area. Overall, Johannisburg Palace is a must-visit attraction in Aschaffenburg. Its historical significance, architectural beauty, and rich cultural offerings make it a truly unforgettable experience. One can also walk down to the Old Main Bridge from here ( about 15 minutes). We did that and enjoyed very much!

stef stefanov (12 months ago)
An amazing place.... Pure beauty and endless serenity. An excellent museum. From the outside is difficult to image all the riches and the beauties inside. A problem is the parking lot. Probably several sings, where you can park, will be of great use.

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Visby Cathedral (also known as St. Mary’s Church) is the only survived medieval church in Visby. It was originally built for German merchants and inaugurated in 1225. Around the year 1350 the church was enlarged and converted into a basilica. The two-storey magazine was also added then above the nave as a warehouse for merchants.

Following the Reformation, the church was transformed into a parish church for the town of Visby. All other churches were abandoned. Shortly after the Reformation, in 1572, Gotland was made into its own Diocese, and the church designated its cathedral.

There is not much left of the original interior. The font is made of local red marble in the 13th century. The pulpit was made in Lübeck in 1684. There are 400 graves under the church floor.

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