Würzburg Residence palace, Germany

The Würzburg Residence (Würzburger Residenz) is one of the finest Baroque palaces in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built between 1720 and 1744 as the residence of the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg, it is celebrated for its grand architecture, lavish interiors, and exceptional artistic achievements.

Location

The Würzburg Residence is located in the historic city of Würzburg, in northern Bavaria, Germany. It stands on the eastern edge of the old town, close to the River Main and within walking distance of Würzburg’s main attractions. Address: Residenzplatz 2, 97070 Würzburg, Germany

How to Get There

Würzburg is well connected by train to Frankfurt, Nuremberg, and Munich. The palace is easy to reach by public transport and on foot:

• Train: Würzburg Main Station (Würzburg Hauptbahnhof), followed by a 15-minute walk
• Tram: Lines stopping at Dom or Residenzplatz
• Walking: Easily accessible from Würzburg’s old town and city center

What You Can See

Visitors to the Würzburg Residence can explore a series of magnificent rooms and outdoor spaces:

• The Grand Staircase – featuring the world’s largest ceiling fresco by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo
• The Imperial Hall – an ornate ceremonial hall decorated with frescoes and gilded stucco
• The White Hall – a Rococo masterpiece known for its elegant white stucco work
• State Apartments – richly furnished rooms reflecting Baroque and Rococo styles
• The Court Garden (Hofgarten) – a formal Baroque garden with fountains, sculptures, and flowerbeds

All rooms can be visited on your own, and the ticket also lets you join a guided tour: in English daily at 11:00 and 15:00, in German every half hour.

Ticket Prices

Access to the Würzburg Residence is ticketed:

• Adults: €10, reduced €9
• Under 18: free
• Court Garden and Court Church: free entry

Tickets are sold at the cash desk or online; with an online ticket you can go straight to the entrance without queuing.

Why the Würzburg Residence Is Famous

The Würzburg Residence is famous for its harmonious blend of architecture, painting, and decorative arts. Designed by Balthasar Neumann, it represents the height of German Baroque architecture. The monumental staircase fresco by Tiepolo is considered one of the greatest ceiling paintings ever created, making the palace a landmark of European art history.

Visitor Information

The Residence is open daily: from April to October 9:00–18:00 (last entry 17:15), from November to March 10:00–16:30 (last entry 16:00). It closes only on 1 January, Shrove Tuesday and 24, 25 and 31 December. Photography inside the palace is usually restricted. The Court Garden is ideal for a relaxing walk and can be visited before or after the tour.