Kurfürstliches Palais (Electoral Palace), Trier

Kurfürstliches Palais (Electoral Palace), Trier

The Electoral Palace was built on the site of the old Roman area and is next door to the Basilica of Constantine. The Electoral Palace was built between 1615 and 1676 and is one of the world's most beautiful examples of a Rococo palace.

At the end of the 16th century, archbishop Johann von Schönenberg planned to build a Renaissance-style palace here. Electoral Prince Lothar von Metternich began construction on the lower palace, which was completed around 1650. The Petersburg Portal dates to the 1620s, and the Red Tower was completed in 1647. Construction on the upper palace stalled during the Thirty Years' War.

In the mid-18th century, Archbishop-Elector Johann IX Philipp von Walderdorff built the south wing in the Rococo style and added Baroque gardens.

The Trier Electoral Princes used the palace as a residence until 1794 when French revolutionary forces captured the palace and used it as a barracks. When the Basilica of Constantine was renovated in 1850, the palace's west wing was demolished. However, the south wing was preserved with its beautiful interior and impressive staircase.

The palace was damaged during World War II. Today, the Grand Chamber in the Rococo south wing hosts classical music concerts. The palace gardens are open to the public and feature a large pond and several beautiful statues.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Trier. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Kurfürstliches Palais (Electoral Palace) on Map

Sight Name: Kurfürstliches Palais (Electoral Palace)
Sight Location: Trier, Germany (See walking tours in Trier)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Trier, Germany

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