Margraves Residence

Ansbach Residence, also known as Markgrafenschloß (Margrave’s Palace), is a palace in Ansbach, Germany. It was the government seat of the Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach. Today it is the administrative seat of the government of Middle Franconia.

The site is one not to miss while venturing through the elegant city of Ansbach.

The palace was developed from a medieval building. From 1398 to 1400 Frederick I, Elector of Brandenburg, expanded a Stiftshof outside the city walls to a water castle. Structural remains are preserved in the northwest wing of the present building.

George Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach, ordered the Swabian architect Blasius Berwart (his chief architect from 1563 to 1580) to build a palace. It was erected in Renaissance style from 1565 to 1575. A large hall was built from 1565 to 1575, now called the “Gothische Halle” (Gothic Hall) because of its rib vault. It now houses the largest collection of fayence and porcelain of the former “Ansbacher Manufaktur”.

A century later, the major construction was done by Gabriel de Gabrieli (1694–1716), by Karl Friedrich von Zocha (1719–1730), and by Leopold Retti (1731–1749). Between 1705 and 1738 the building was changed to its present form.

Today the Great Hall and the Orangerie in its garden serve as venues for the biennial music festival Bachwoche Ansbach.

With a rich history and unmatched architecture, the Ansbach Residence is sure to be site not soon to be forgotten.