The Staatsgalerie in der Residenz Würzburg

The Würzburg branch gallery of the Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen (Bavarian State Paintings Collections) invites visitors to a journey through the great centuries of Venetian painting. The Staatsgalerie is located in the north wing of the Residenz of the prince-bishops, which enjoys world fame thanks to the magnificent architecture of Balthasar Neumann and the spectacular fresco decorations by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo.

Paintings of the Renaissance, from the workshops of Titian and Veronese, by Palma Giovane and by the Bassani recall the splendid tradition of Venice as an art and trade hub. Outstanding works by Amigoni, Piazzetta, Pittoni and by the two Tiepolo remind of the Europe-wide dominance of Venetian painting in the eighteenth century. The devotional and historical paintings, allegories and portraits displayed provide diverse insights into the social, political and religious life of the lagoon city. Two unusual event-related paintings by Joseph Heintz the Younger also show Venice as a city of festivals and pleasure.

Architecture

It took until 1780 to build and furnish the residence of the Würzburg prince-bishops. Today it is one of the most important baroque castles in Europe and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex was planned by the architect Balthasar Neumann (1687-1753). Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo (1727-1804) decorated the staircase with an 18 x 30 meter ceiling fresco.

After the fire at the residence in 1945, the castle was renovated and reconstructed up to 1987. Today, more than 40 rooms of the castle can be visited.

The Staatsgalerie in der Residenz Würzburg (State Gallery at the Würzburg Residenz) is affiliated to the Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen.

• The objects of the "Staatsgalerie in der Residenz Würzburg" available in bavarikon