Residenz Ansbach

Ansbach, Germany

Residenz Ansbach (Ansbach Residence), also known as Margrave's Palace was the government seat of the Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach.

The palace was developed from a medieval building. From 1398 to 1400 Frederick I, Elector of Brandenburg, expanded a Stiftshof outside the city walls to a water castle. Structural remains are preserved in the northwest wing of the present building.

George Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach, ordered the Swabian architect Blasius Berwart (his chief architect from 1563 to 1580) to build a palace. It was erected in Renaissance style from 1565 to 1575. A large hall was built from 1565 to 1575, now called the 'Gothische Halle' (Gothic Hall) because of its rib vault. It now houses the largest collection of fayence and porcelain of the former Ansbacher Manufaktur.

A century later, the major construction was done by Gabriel de Gabrieli (1694–1716), by Karl Friedrich von Zocha (1719–1730), and by Leopold Retti (1731–1749). Between 1705 and 1738 the building was changed to its present form.

Architecture

Gabriel de Gabrieli created before 1709 the southeast wing with the main facade in a style similar to Viennese Baroque. The interior dates from 1734 to 1745 under architect Leopoldo Retti. Carlo Carlone created a fresco on the ceiling of the Festsaal (Festive hall). Meissen porcelain is shown in the Spiegelkabinett (Hall of Mirrors).

The interior of the palace has a hall of mirrors with French rococo features; the great hall was provided with painted ceiling and the rooms were fitted with Ansbach porcelain tiles of 18th century vintage. It had a garden that was laid out in the 16th century and modified in the 18th century with an orangerie.

The castle has richly furnished state rooms on the first floor. In 1791, Karl August von Hardenberg, Prussia's representative in Ansbach, added board rooms and a library. From 1806, once the Royal Bavarian Government of Rezatkreis started functioning in Ansbach, the castle's first floor rooms were converted into offices, while the rooms on other floors remained unchanged. Between 1962 and 1974, the last major renovations to the castle were completed. The Bavarian Administration of State-owned Palaces, Gardens and Lakes is in charge of the buildings and the museum.

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Address

Promenade 27, Ansbach, Germany
See all sites in Ansbach

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Sophia (8 months ago)
Currently under construction work, but the 1h guided tour was definitely worth the visit and provided great insights into the life at and history of the residence. Very engaging and would recommend. I especially liked learning about the everyday life at the residence. I would also suggest to spend some time in the close-by gardens and doing a city tour, for example with the free digiwalk Ansbach audio tour which is available in English and German.
Kristina Lloyd (9 months ago)
Beautiful residence with plenty of history. Tours are only in German, and they do offer a pamphlet in English, but not everything is covered that the guide talks about and points out. There's construction in several rooms that s supposed to last for the next 3 years. So much of the furniture is covered up. I would suggest adding an audio tour in different languages. Otherwise, it's a great experience and an amazing price! (€5 per adult and kids were free)
Lou Fegans (10 months ago)
Duration: 1hr guided tour in German (pamphlets of other languages available) Well worth the trip to see the palace and gardens (across the street)
Lina H. (12 months ago)
Haven't been inside but outside is interesting. Haven't expected to see such big residence in this small town
Damir “Grof” Ratkaj (3 years ago)
Beautifol city
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