Brühl

Two palaces, one grand UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Brühl, Germany, is a smaller city south of the major city of Cologne. UNESCO decided back in 1984 to name two palaces here a World Heritage Site. At the time, both were used for federal government events until 1996. Bonn, the Western German capital, is also fairly close. Eventually the palaces were opened to the public. However, the big one is still used occasionally for government events.

By the 12th century, the Archbishops of Cologne, who also served as Elector for the Holy Roman Empire, had an estate in Brühl, completed with a game park for hunting. Archbishops also serving as secular rulers was not all that uncommon. Even more confusing is the fact that the Electorate of Cologne and the Archbishopric did not always have completely overlapping territory and that included the city of Cologne. After a battle in the 13th century, Cologne freed itself from the Elector of Cologne. He was only allowed for archbishop duties and had no secular control of the city. This also meant that he also needed to find a new place to live and that ended up being Bonn. Brühl would become a summer residence.

There was already a castle in Brühl in the 13th century, which was blown up during the War of Palatinate Succession in 1689. The Archbishop of the time, Clemens August of Bavaria (also brother of the Holy Roman Emperor), decided to build a new stately palace on the remains of the castle. It was named Augustusburg.

Jana Irving

And it is something. Also conveniently located next to the train station.

Jana Irving

Late Baroque facade.

Jana Irving

The sides aren’t as symmetrical as the main entrance. This was caused by using the foundations of the old castle.

Jana Irving

The palace has a giant formal garden on this side.

Brief look inside as pictures are only allowed in the main staircase area.  No idea why.

Jana Irving

One of the best examples of German Rococo. Rococo overlapped with Late Baroque. Turning the overwhelming symmetric Baroque style and turning it into a more whimsical overwhelming version.

Jana Irving

It’s sometimes hard to tell the difference between the two styles. Rococo has more pastel colors with lots of curving elements.

Jana Irving

More of the palace was decorated extravagantly but not to this level.

Jana Irving

I did not break any rules to get this picture. I was still in the staircase area decided to take a very close picture of a glass door. The room behind just happened to show up in the photo.

Jana Irving

Back outside and heading to the next palace.

Jana Irving

It’s about a mile walk each way to reach the smaller palace. There’s no public transportation there. It’s worth it. Plus, it’s a lovely walk through the countryside. This would have been through woodland in the 18th century. Much of it is now past farm fields.

Falkenlust was built to be a hunting lodge, finished in 1737. Hunting lodges were often built by rich people in the area to be places to get away from court life and its pageantry. Hunting still happening here, just in a pretty setting.

Jana Irving

An avenue connects Augustusburg and Falkenlust.

Jana Irving

There is an area on the roof for falconry.

Jana Irving

No limits on pictures here.

Jana Irving

It’s hilarious that this is the toned down palace. It’s also much smaller.

Jana Irving

I really love this color scheme, but that wall pattern is a lot.

Jana Irving

All the curves.

Jana Irving

That is not a subtle color.

Jana Irving

Many herons were integrated into the designs.

Jana Irving

And falcons.

Jana Irving

One must have a Chinese panels installed in a small room.

Jana Irving

Lots of rural scenes and landscapes.

Jana Irving

This one was installed where it fit.

Jana Irving

The panels are lovely.

Jana Irving

The staircase is covered with Dutch tiles.

Jana Irving

Herons, everywhere.

Jana Irving

Gorgeous.

Jana Irving

Very lovely.

Jana Irving

Also got to have a room with mirrors all the way around.

Jana Irving

Gorgeous.

Jana Irving

There is a small chapel near Falkenlust.

Jana Irving

It’s completely decorated with shells. Very neat.

Brühl is an easy reach from Cologne by train. Visiting Augustusburg is by guided tour only. They have audio guides for non-German speakers. Falkenlust is all self-guided. The rooms are really tight, so maybe best to go on a weekday like I did.

Check out my next update where I explore the cute city of Bremen!

or

Start at the beginning of this European adventure!