Rastatt Castle is a mighty German baroque castle from the early 18th century. Once built by Margrave Ludwig William of Baden and his wife Sibylla Augusta of Baden, it is now open to the public.
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Rastatt Castle
Rastatt Castle, or Residence Castle Rastatt as it is also known, is an impressive sight, along with the fascinating castle church. While visiting the castle, you can also visit the Margravine's summer palace, castle favourite, which is located nearby.
Rastatt Castle is located in the city of Rastatt, in the federal state of Baden-Württemberg in western Germany.
The history of Rastatt Castle and the Margravine Sibylla Augusta
Rastatt Castle was built between 1700 and 1707 by Margrave Ludwig William of Baden and his wife Sibylla Augusta of Baden. The building was inspired by the French Palace of Versailles.
Following the death of Louis, who was a military man and participated in several wars, in 1707, Sibylla became regent of the Margraviate of Baden and guardian of her successor, her minor son George of Baden. As regent, she successfully led the reconstruction of Baden after its destruction during the war with France.
Visiting Rastatt Castle
Rastatt Castle is open to the public and is interesting to visit. You can stroll in the castle garden and take a guided tour of the castle and/or the castle church.
There is also a military history museum at the castle. We found this perhaps less interesting, but it is included in the entrance ticket and can serve as a pastime for a while while waiting for a guided tour.
A guided tour of Rastatt Castle
A guided tour of Rastatt Castle is fascinating. Tours are usually given in German, but non-German speakers can get a written booklet in English explaining the rooms.
One of the most impressive rooms in the castle is the 'Ancestral Hall'. This hall was created by the architect Domenico Egidio Rossi to be used for court parties and receptions. There are many decorations that glorify and highlight the Margrave Louis William as a ruler and war hero.
You can also peek into the Margrave couple's private rooms, which are adorned and decorated in every conceivable way.
Above all, don't forget to look upwards, towards the stunning rooftops.
The castle church
If you want, you can also take a guided tour of the castle church and we highly recommend a visit here as well. The church, which was built by Margravine Sibylla Augusta, is amazing! From the outside you can hardly imagine that it even exists, but inside it is a masterpiece.
The tour starts at a staircase, which reminds you of the suffering of Jesus as he walked with the cross. The staircase is a replica of the 'Scala Sancta' in the Lateran Palace in St. Petersburg. Rome. In the past it was only possible to get around on your knees.
When you look inside the church, you gasp for breath. After being abandoned for many years, the church has now been carefully renovated so that it can be shown to the public.
As well as being beautifully decorated, the church is equipped with something as unusual as lighting inside the pillars, which gives the room a special light.
The church is dedicated to the Holy Cross on which Jesus was crucified, and there is a fresco on the ceiling that tells the story of Saint Helena's discovery of the cross during a pilgrimage to Jerusalem in 324. In addition, the Margravine herself is depicted in the fresco.
On the floor is the text "Bettet für die grose sunderin Augusta", meaning "Pray for the great sinner Augusta". It may sound funny to our ears that the Margravine wanted to call herself a sinner, but according to our guide it was typical for the time to see oneself as a sinner.
A walk around Rastatt
After visiting Rastatt Castle, we walked around the town of the same name. Here we could spot some more historical buildings such as the Pagodenburg pavilion, which was also built by Sibylla Augusta.
We also strolled through the market square (Marktplatz) with the Johannes-Nepomuk-Brunnen, Alexiusbrunnen and St Alexander's Church.
We have to say that the central parts of this city offer a lot of history, but also nice neighbourhoods. We stopped at the Hofbrauhaus Hatz pub because the paintings outside were so beautiful.
It was early in the day and no guests yet, but the staff came out and wanted us to also see the delicious decor with a large "pillar tree" in the centre of the room. There was no beer for us on this occasion, but it looked nice!
We also found a really cool mural, and some nice public art. All in all, we can say that it was a great visit to Rastatt!
Where can you stay or park your motorhome?
There are of course several hotels to choose from in Rastatt. If, like us, you are travelling by motorhome, you can stop at "Familienbad Alohra" in the city centre. This was once a real caravan park with electricity and other services. When we were here, the car park was closed, which was probably because the bathhouse was closed for a long time. However, it was possible to park overnight.
More to see and do in the neighbourhood
Once you've seen Rastatt Castle and the city of Rastatt, you'll also want to make sure to see Summer Palace Favourite, which is located just outside the city. There are also many other fine castles in Baden-Württemberg such as Mannheim and Ludwigsburg. Don't forget to visit the exciting city of Baden-Baden!
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Have you visited Rastatt Castle in Germany?
Have you visited Rastatt Castle? Have you been to this part of Germany? Do you have even more tips on what to see and do in the neighbourhood?
Facts about Rastatt Castle
- Address: Herrenstrasse 18-20, Rastatt
- Municipality: Rastatt
- Federal Republic of Germany: Baden-Württemberg
- Country: Germany
- Year of construction: 1700-1707
- Developer: Margrave Louis William of Baden-Baden.
- Architect: Domenico Egidio Rossi
- Read more: You can find more information at the castle's website.
Services and practical information
- Opening hours: During the high season the castle is open Tuesday to Sunday 10-17 (2022). At other times of the year, the castle is open 10-16. Please note that the castle is closed on Mondays and during Christmas and New Year. The castle garden is open to the public during daylight hours.
- Price: Admission to the castle alone costs €8/person for adults and €4/person for persons entitled to a reduced price (2022). Admission to the castle and church costs €12/person for adults and €6/person for persons entitled to a reduced price (2022). If you also want to see Favorite Palace - ask for a combination ticket!
- Accessibility: The castle is accessible to people with disabilities, according to the State Palaces and Gardens of Baden-Württemberg. The Military Museum has a lift and folding chairs. Canes must be equipped with a rubber foot.
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BP says:
How many castles are there in Rastatt? I had never heard of the city before your reports. At least now I know that there are two castles and a very cool pub/restaurant:-)
20 October 2022 - 18:37
Helena says:
Hehe, two I think!
And both belonged to the same owner - the main castle and the summer castle
I can admit that I haven't heard of Rastatt before either. We visited Baden-Baden, and then we got tips about these castles that are in the neighbourhood!
20 October 2022 - 18:53