Hohenburg Palace

Hohenburg Palace is a distinguished example of Baroque architecture located in Hohenburg, Bavaria, Germany. Constructed between 1712 and 1718 for Count Ferdinand Joseph von Herwarth, the palace was built to replace the medieval Hohenburg castle that was destroyed by fire in 1707 during the War of the Spanish Succession. The original castle, which had stood atop a hill, was reduced to ruins, and the new palace was erected approximately 300 meters west at the foot of the hill, incorporating stones salvaged from the medieval structure. These stones were also used in the construction of the nearby Lenggries parish church of St. James, completed in 1722, where Count von Herwarth was laid to rest.

Architectural features and layout

The palace's main building is a three-story structure capped with a distinctive hip roof adorned with dragon-shaped waterspouts, a notable Baroque ornamental detail. The central section of the palace includes a mezzanine level, while the corner bays rise an additional half story, creating a dynamic silhouette. Originally, the palace consisted of three wings arranged around a large enclosed courtyard on the east side; today, two of these wings remain intact. A prominent clock tower rises above the central bay facing the courtyard, serving as a focal point of the palace's façade.

The interiors of Hohenburg Palace are richly decorated with frescos, paintings, statues, ornamented pillars, and chandeliers, reflecting the opulent tastes of the early 18th century aristocracy. The palace chapel, completed in 1722, is an integral part of the complex, showcasing religious art and architecture of the period.

Gardens and landscape design

The palace grounds originally featured formal gardens inspired by the Versailles style, designed by Matthias Diesel. These gardens emphasized symmetry, geometric patterns, and elaborate parterres typical of Baroque garden design. However, in the early 19th century, under the ownership of Prince Carl of Leiningen, the gardens were transformed into an English-style park, favoring naturalistic landscaping over formal geometry. Prince Carl, a half-brother to Queen Victoria, was also an avid hunter and developed an extensive hunting preserve in the region.

Historical ownership and significance

Following the extinction of the Herwarth family line in the early 19th century, Schloss Hohenburg passed through several owners, including the Zech, Kramer, and Taufkirchen families. In 1836, it was acquired by Prince Carl of Leiningen, who made significant alterations to the palace's exterior and interior, as well as to the surrounding landscape.

In 1857, the palace was purchased by Baron Carl von Eichthal, a prominent banker involved in financing Bavarian infrastructure and art acquisitions. By 1887, the estate encompassed an extensive agricultural and commercial operation, including a brewery, cheese manufacturing, and livestock farming.

In 1870, Adolphe of Nassau-Weilburg acquired the palace and estate as a hunting retreat after losing his duchy to Prussia. Following his ascension as Grand Duke of Luxembourg in 1890, Hohenburg Palace became his summer residence. The palace remained in the hands of the Luxembourg grand ducal family until World War II, when they went into exile in the United States. After the war, the property was restored to the family by General George S. Patton.

Modern usage and preservation

In 1953, the palace was purchased by industrialist Max Grundig, who donated it to the Ursuline Convent of St. Joseph in Landshut. The convent established educational institutions on the premises, including a middle school, housekeeping training school, and boarding school for girls. Later, the Catholic Archdiocese of Munich and Freising took over the schools in 1990. Although the nuns returned to Landshut in 2003, the site continues to function as an educational center for girls.

Architectural style and condition

Hohenburg Palace is a fine example of Baroque architecture from the post-Renaissance period. Its well-preserved condition allows visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship and artistic embellishments characteristic of early 18th-century aristocratic residences. The palace's combination of formal and later English-style gardens reflects evolving tastes in landscape design. The use of stones from the medieval castle in its construction provides a tangible link to the site's long history.