Germany is one of those countries of Old Europe where castles of different eras have been preserved. Among them, the Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg) stands out. The former summer residence of the Bavarian monarchs of the Wittelsbach family was built in the Baroque style and is considered not only the hallmark of Munich, but also the longest complex on the European continent. Its construction lasted 11 years, during which the palace and the surrounding park were constantly extended. Gradually, the length of the architectural ensemble reached 630 metres and by this indicator it surpassed Versailles.
The Nymphenburg Palace and Park Complex is located in the western part of Munich (Neuhausen-Nymphenburg district). The object is dedicated to the goddess of flowers Flora and her nymphs. Its name translates from German as "castle of the nymphs".
Brief history
Photo: Portraitor. Source: Pixabay
The construction of the palace complex began in 1664. It was a gift from Elector Ferdinand Maria Wittelsbach to his wife, who gave birth to his long-awaited son. The monarchs had been expecting an heir for 10 years, so his birth in 1662 was a grandiose event.
The royal grounds of Kemnat, located in the countryside west of Munich, were chosen for the construction of the palace. After 2 years (in 1664), construction was started by the court architect Barelli. Initially, the castle was modest, looking more like a fortress. It included a cubic-shaped main building, outbuildings and a geometric park. But each owner added something new to the ensemble.
Gradually the palace was supplemented by other buildings - a church, a pavilion, a stable. When Elector Ferdinand Maria's son, the Bavarian King Maximilian II Emmanuel, began to rule - he expanded the complex to its present size. Between 1680 and 1726, construction was supervised by the Italian architect Enrico Zuccali. Maximilian II gave him the task to make Nymphenburg as good as Versailles. The main buildings were completed in 1675, but the facade of the building and its interiors were still being improved in the French manner for several years.
The son of Maximilian II, the Bavarian Elector Karl Albrecht and later Holy Roman Emperor Charles VII, had the idea of making Nymphenburg a small town in his honour (Karlstadt). In its centre was the main palace, and inside the park were built 4 more small palace pavilions. Most of all the emperor liked the hunting lodge called Amalienburg with a lavish rococo decoration.
When Charles was succeeded by Elector Maximilian III, the palace's ceremonial hall was decorated, a porcelain manufactory was founded (in 1743), and the park area was decorated with sculptures of Olympian gods. Soon the area near the palace became accessible to ordinary people. It was opened by Elector Carl Theodor during the French Revolution. He also expanded the galleries and added new rooms. After Bavaria was proclaimed a monarchy, King Max I renovated the interior of the main palace, giving it Classicist features.
Nymphenburg has always been the favourite residence of the rulers of the Wittelsbach dynasty in Munich. King Ludwig I created a legendary gallery of beauties here. In 1845, the palace became the birthplace of the infamous King Ludwig II of Bavaria. The current look of the building was given by architect Josef Effner, who added front extensions and the famous park to the structure.
Today
The modern Nymphenburg is a huge complex, stretching almost 700 metres. Thanks to the adjoining park and additional buildings, it has gained the status of the largest palace ensemble in Europe.
The main buildings of the complex are located on a square island washed by the Grand Canal. One part of it runs eastwards and the other westwards, ending in a cascading waterfall. Perpendicular to the Grand Canal are the pavilions of Pagodenburg, Badenburg, and Amalienburg (1734-39) with an adjoining garden.
What to see inside the castle and on the grounds
Photo: Ralf Steinberger. Source: Flickr
As the Wittelsbach dynasty was one of the richest in Europe, the Nymphenburg Palace in Munich is the epitome of luxury. There are 21 rooms available to tourists inside it. It is worth visiting here:
- stone/parade hall. This room was dedicated to Flora, the goddess of flowers. It is characterised by high ceilings, painted walls, frescoes by Zimmermann. All of this is lit by crystal chandeliers and candles in gilded candelabras. No restoration work has been done inside the hall since 1757, so it has retained its authenticity;
- the queen's boudoir. This is a room where the walls and soft furnishings are upholstered in blue velvet. In its centre is a coffee table on carved legs with chairs made of walnut wood;
- the king's chambers. Here green-blue tones prevail and the atmosphere of Versailles is felt;
- the south wing, where the gallery of Ludwig I's beauties is located. The collection consists of 36 portraits of royal favourites by Stihler. These were not only queens and countesses, but also artists, townswomen and peasant women. There are among the portraits made in the style of romanticism, also the image of Lola Montes - dancer, which the king preferred to the throne, than provoked the revolution;
- a study decorated with huge mirrors;
- a hall decorated with Chinese lacquered panels with designs and gilding.
In addition to the main Nymphenburg Palace, there are 4 other smaller structures within the park. Each of them is a separate museum.
Amalienburg
Photo: Fred Romero. Source: Flickr
The hunting lodge was built by Karl Albrecht in 1739 for his wife Amalia. It is located opposite the Magdalene cell and is a beautiful embodiment of European rococo. It is an unremarkable building from the outside, but striking from the inside. Its central part is occupied by the Hall of Mirrors, decorated with gilded mouldings and silver-blue bas-reliefs. In the southern part of the building is the Blue Cabinet. These rooms are decorated in bright yellow colours, lavishly decorated with gilding, silver paintings and art paintings. The northern part of Amalienburg is occupied by the Pheasant Room decorated with mosaics. This large room served as a kitchen, a dog room, and a dressing room.
Magdalenenclause
Photo: Fred Romero. Source: Flickr
The Magdalene cell was erected by order of Maximilian Emmanuel. The one-storey building, located amongst green bushes, was designed as a place for prayer. It is divided into 2 parts - the Chapel of Mary Magdalene and modest chambers-keleia. It was finished in 1728, after the death of the Elector.
Badenburg
This building is referred to as the royal bath or even the "Bathing Palace". It is located in the southern part of the park and includes a font and a heated pool. Badenburg was intended not only for bathing Bavarian kings, but also for receiving guests. A dressing room and chambers on the first floor were provided for this purpose.
Pagodenburg
Photo: Digital cat. Source: wikipedia
The Tea House, an interpretation of a Chinese pagoda, was a favourite of Queen Mary Amalia. It was built in the 18th century at the northern end of the park. The ground floor of the building is decorated with plant ornaments in white and blue shades, the second floor is finished in noble wood and decorated with Chinese silk wallpaper. Each hall of Pagodenburg Castle is decorated in the Asian style, and accommodates a large painted table with a lacquered finish.
Stables Museum (Marstallmuseum)
Photo: Wistula. Source: wikipedia
This structure complements the monarch's palace and houses the carriages of electors and kings, princes' sleighs, ladies' stretchers and saddles. The most expensive exhibits are the gilded royal carriages of different eras, wedding corteges.
Nymphenburg Porcelain Museum (Porzellanmuseum)
This exhibition occupies the first floor of the building, which also houses the carriage exhibit. The Porzellanmuseum is what remains of the manufactory founded by Max III. Thanks to the master Bustelli, it survived almost until the 20th century. The porcelain museum displays figurines of his authorship, as well as royal table sets, including unique Art Nouveau pieces. The exhibition pavilion houses porcelain plates, mugs and figurines made in France, Germany and China, collected by the merchant Albert Beuml from the end of the 19th century. Here you can not only view the exhibits, but also purchase porcelain items.
Museum Mensch und Natur (Museum Mensch und Natur)
This is a modern interactive museum occupying the famous palace of the Wittelsbach dynasty, featuring unusual exhibits that allow you to explore the environment. These include a dinosaur skeleton, a stuffed bear, a model of the human body, various minerals, fossils, and a panoramic image of the solar system. Tourists pass from hall to hall and each time something interesting awaits them.
Park (Schlosspark Nymphenburg)
Photo: Jan Czeczotka. Source: Wikipedia
After exploring the palace and museums, tourists can stroll through the expanse of the park, one of the best in Munich. This classical creation, which combines English and French styles, covers about 200 hectares. A baroque garden and a landscape park are harmoniously combined in the vast space.
It is noteworthy that every tree in the Nymphenburg Park has a registration number that allows you to determine its age. Among the most interesting places in the park are:
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Pagodenburg Valley with ancient oaks;
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a cascading marble waterfall located at the west gate;
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Badenburg Lake, on the shore of which stands the pseudo-Greek temple of Apollo;
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A large canal surrounding the central island with the palace;
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a central parterre with a fountain in front of the front entrance to the castle. It is decorated with bosquetas - green compositions of trimmed trees and shrubs.
Opening hours
The Nymphenburg Landscape and Palace Complex is located in Munich. The exact address is Schloß Nymphenburg 1, 80638 München. The main palace, museums, chapel and other attractions of the ensemble are open:
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from April to mid-October: 9.00-18.00;
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from 16 October to March: 10.00-16.00.
Weekends: 24, 25 and 31 December, 1 January, Fat Tuesday (the last day of Carnival). Also, the park pavilions are closed from 16 October to March.
The park is open to the public:
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May-September: 6.00-21.30pm;
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April, October: 6.00-20.00;
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January-March, November, December: 06.00-18.00.
In the summer season, a gondola runs along the Grand Canal, on which you can take a ride.
A full ticket entitling you to visit the main palace, park pavilions and museums costs 15€/13€ in summer and 12€/10€ in winter. Children under 18 are admitted free of charge, students for 9€/6.5€. You can buy a ticket to visit one museum. It costs from 4 to 8€. Entrance to the park is free.
