Ludwigsburg Palace

About

Originally planned as a hunting lodge for Duke Ludwig, when Ludwigsburg became his primary residence a few years later, he planned a more regal expansion. The resulting palace is the richest in the region, filled with opulent furnishings spanning the Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical eras. Hundreds of pieces of authentic period art and furniture, intricate stucco, and detailed frescoes showcase the lavish lifestyle of Europe’s elite. However, the tour of the castle shows more than fancy furnishings - visitors get an intimate look into the lives of the castle’s inhabitants, from the servants’ windowless dining room, to Duke Ludwig’s secret passage to his mistress’ bedroom. Another highlight is the palace theatre, which still has its original machinations. The palace also houses some eclectic museums, ranging from porcelain to fashion of the 18th to 20th centuries.