The Friedrich's Building (Friedrichsbau), one of the most beautiful structures of the Heidelberg Castle complex, dates back to Heidelberg's last knight, the Elector Friedrich IV of the Palatinate. The popular sovereign but weak ruler died 400 years ago of the consequences of his dissolute lifestyle. On special guided tours, visitors can let themselves be transported back to his age.
In mid-September a festive weekend will make the pleasures of the late Renaissance come alive again. Acrobats, dancers and musicians will perform. Instrumental pieces of famous Heidelberg court musicians will be played. And the colorful production of Shakespeare's "Midsummer Night's Dream" in the palace courtyard is bound to be an experience of the very special kind.
A visit to the "porcelain palace" Favorite in Rastatt-Förch, which took shape 300 years ago, also takes visitors to another age. A special exhibition on early Dresden china shows precious pieces made of a fascinating material, which was considered a "high-tech product" at the time of Margravine Sibylla Augusta. August the Strong shared her enthusiasm for it and made sure that she could have a well-appointed collection. – In the section "Vitrine" (Showcase), we present a tulip vase from the porcelain palace as an interesting exhibit. Two major passions of the Baroque come together here, i.e. the love of both tulips and blue-and-white ceramics. Those who would like to stroll in the palace park following the tour of the rooms, which provides many views out into the gardens, can have a look at the domestic and exotic trees and woody plants with the help of the dendrological tour. Some of these even date back to the beginnings of the palace.
The portrait of an artist in this issue is dedicated to a contemporary of Margravine Sibylla Augusta: Karl Joseph Riepp, by trade an organ builder and wine-grower in Germany and France. In Salem an exhibition is devoted to this talented personality on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of his birth. The Münster Organ in Salem is his masterpiece. In October a special project of Schlösser Magazine will take readers to Salem.
The State Palaces and Gardens (SPG) are open to cooperations. In the case of Rosenstein sculptures from the collection of the King of Württemberg Wilhelm I, a fruitful cooperation with the Staatsgalerie in Stuttgart resulted. The group of figures consisting of 14 pieces is on display in the Column Hall (Säulensaal) of the Old Staatsgalerie on permanent loan from the SPG. And this is indeed an appropriate location, as the former ruler founded the museum.
Our series entitled "Adel verpflichtet" (Noblesse Oblige) provides information on counts, dukes and kings, the origin of their titles and their meaning. The tenth and final chapter covers noblewomen, who through their own resourcefulness were able to step out of the shadow of their prominent, powerful husbands.
This time the tip in takes readers to Monrepos Palace in Ludwigsburg. 250 years ago, Duke Carl Eugen of Württemberg had the foundation laid for the charming little palace.
In addition to a wealth of other interesting topics, this issue also contains tips on events with information on special guided tours. By the way, an extensive, continually updated calendar of events can be accessed at this website >>> calendar.
The issue is available here in German only.