Plizio Visual Lab
Würzburg Residence
The Würzburg Residence is regarded as one of Europe's most significant Baroque palaces, constructed between 1720 and 1744 under the direction of Balthasar Neumann. Built as the magnificent seat of the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg, it synthesizes influences from Viennese, French, and North Italian architecture. A standout feature is the self-supporting staircase featuring the world's largest contiguous ceiling fresco, painted by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. In 1981, the Residence became one of the first buildings in Germany to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. During World War II, a 1945 bombing raid nearly destroyed the palace, which was subsequently reconstructed over several decades of meticulous work. Today, it houses museums and university facilities while serving as a venue for official state events. The adjacent Court Garden is a masterwork of Baroque garden design. The opulent decor of its 300-plus rooms reflects the wealth and political power of absolutism in Franconia.
- Location: Bavaria, Germany
- Top sights: Glockenuhr · Bürgerspital-Kirche · Mainfranken Theater Würzburg
- Nearby: Ochsenfurt (16 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 18 | 20 | 19 | 15 | 9 | 4 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 56 | 44 | 47 | 38 | 73 | 59 | 73 | 66 | 50 | 53 | 58 | 62 |
📋 Practical info
History & landmarks
1720
Geography
Facts
- The Residence was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1981.
- The ceiling fresco in the staircase measures approximately 600 square meters.
- Construction took a total of 24 years to complete.
- On March 16, 1945, the Residence burned almost completely after air raids.
- The palace contains more than 300 opulent rooms in total.
- The court garden was redesigned in Rococo style in 1770.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Würzburg Residence (10)
Augustinerkloster⛪ monastery
Building in Würzburg, Lower Franconia, former Augustinian monastery.
Stift Haug
Church building, cultural heritage monument D-6-63-000-31 in Würzburg.
Lusamgärtchen🌳 park
Courtyard at Neumünsterkirche in Würzburg, a small garden.
Museum am Dom🏛 museum
Museum in Würzburg, displaying sacred art.
Falkenhaus
Cultural heritage monument D-6-63-000-324 in Würzburg, a Baroque townhouse.
Ringpark🌳 park
Park ring around the old town of Würzburg.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is special about the staircase of the Residence?
Is photography allowed in the Hofgarten?
How long does a guided tour of the Residence take?
Is there wheelchair accessibility?
When is the best time to visit?
Würzburg Residence: where is it located?
Würzburg Residence: what is there to see?
Würzburg Residence: when is the best time to visit?
Würzburg Residence: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
