Wednesday, 25 September 2019

Meersburg New Palace | Exhibitions MEERSBURG NEW PALACE

The panoramic setting of the New Palace in Meersburg is unique: The view from the terrace of the palace across Lake Constance is overwhelming. This was the residence of the Prince-Bishops of Constance in the 18th century, who had moved their royal seat to Meersburg after the Reformation. The interior of the palace impressively demonstrates the power of the baroque Prince-Bishops. Ascending the magnificent staircase, you come to the Bel Étage with its staterooms and private accommodation for the Prince-Bishop. The history of the palace is presented in a newly designed museum.

Residence of the Prince-Bishops of Constance

 

The panoramic setting of the New Palace in Meersburg is unique: The view from the terrace of the palace across Lake Constance is overwhelming. This was the residence of the Prince-Bishops of Constance in the 18th century, who had moved their royal seat to Meersburg after the Reformation. The interior of the palace impressively demonstrates the power of the baroque Prince-Bishops. Ascending the magnificent staircase, you come to the Bel Étage with its staterooms and private accommodation for the Prince-Bishop. The history of the palace is presented in a newly designed museum.

    

Glittering aura down to the city and the lake

Irrespective of whether guests came to the palace from the lake or city – they always saw a magnificent white-pillared façade. The heart of the palace, the Bel Étage with the ceremonial Hall of Mirrors is located – extremely unusually – on the third floor. This is where the two prince-bishop suites are to be found. Meersburg New Palace is famous for its stucco with many original motifs. In the 18th century, the palace was primarily visited on account of its natural history collection: the Prince-Bishops compiled a collection of exotic and rare specimens, including mussels and snails brought back by the explorer Thomas Cook from his voyages.

   

Stunning view from the Lake Terrace

The pleasurable highlight of a visit to the palace is the Lake Terrace, part of the former gardens of the Bishops. The view of Lake Constance is absolutely unique. Today you can particularly enjoy the view when visiting the Palace Café. The Prince-Bishops built stately buildings all around their New Palace: a walk through the picturesque old part of Meersburg is well worthwhile.

 

A treasure chest with prospect: the “Fürstenhäusle” (Prince’s Little House)

In the 19th century, a North German poet fell in love with the beauty of Lake Constance. Annette von Droste-Hülshoff, author of the successful novel “Die Judenbuche” (The Jew’s Beech), bought the Fürstenhäusle, a former prince-bishop vineyard summer house set in the heart of vineyards above the New Palace. The charming little house has been preserved and the historical furnishings of the little rooms are full of personal details. The overwhelming view far across the shimmering mirror of the lake to the Swiss mountains has remained unchanged since the poet’s time.

 

Meersburg New Palace (Neues Schloss Meersburg)

Schlossplatz 12

88709 Meersburg

Phone: +49(0)75 32.80 79 41-0

info@neues-schloss-meersburg.de

www.neues-schloss-meersburg.de

Download and images

Imposantes Ensemble

photo credit

Foto: Staatliche Schlösser und Gärten Baden-Württemberg, Günther Bayerl

technical data

JPG, 2600x3417 Pxl, 1.14 MB