Wurzburg, Germany

I've been to Wurzburg (population 135,000) several times before and each time Wurzburg Residence was closed.  So, I'm back again specifically to visit this splendid palace. Before the palace was built the Prince-Bishops of Wurzburg resided in Marienberg Fortress, a very impressive medieval castle complex on a nearby hill. Being an absolute monarch, Prince-Bishop of Wurzburg Johann Philipp Franz von Schoenborn didn't think the castle was grand enough befitting someone of his stature so he commissioned the building of Wurzburg Residence. Construction started in 1720 and completed in 1744.

 This is the backside view of the palace. Of course the grounds are immense and it's now open to the public.

Lots of statues and gardens.

So, the purpose of these grand palaces was to impress. One would be driven up to the front of the palace in a horse drawn carriage and then enter the building. Imagine walking in and seeing this spectacular staircase.

Walking up the staircase you see part of a frescoe on the ceiling.

My pictures don't do it justice but, this massive ceiling Baroque-style frescoe with its 3-D look, is the largest in the world! Venetian painter Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and his son were the artists.

This is the White Hall room. Done in Neo-classical style with white stucco works on a light gray background.

Another ceiling frescoe.

 This room is being set-up for a conference. Also used for concerts.

Another shot of the world's largest frescoe above the grand staircase. It is absolutely stunning.

Leaving Wurzburg I head to Bad Mergentheim, population 22,000, It's one of Germany's oldest spa towns. Back in 1826 rich mineral springs were discovered with the strongest sodium-sulfate water in all of Europe. However, I think the town's glory years are long past. I arrive around 8AM and the farmers market was just setting up.

The last stop on this castle hunting trip is Weikersheim Castle. Located in the village of Weikersheim (population 7,000) about six miles from Bad Mergentheim. This is the backside. Why no front view? The front is smack dab in the middle of the village with buildings directly in front of the castle's entrance making it impossible to snap a decent photo.

The grounds are extensive with statues and gardens galore. Didn't have much time to hang around as rain starts to fall. .