Urach Residential Palace

Tucked away in the charming spa town of Bad Urach, Urach Residential Palace (Residenzschloss Urach) is one of the most important historic residences in Baden-Württemberg. Built in the early 15th century, it is the only surviving late medieval residential palace of Württemberg and was once home to counts, dukes, and members of the ruling Württemberg dynasty. Count Eberhard im Bart, later the first Duke of Württemberg, was born here and helped shape the palace’s rich history. From the outside, the palace has largely retained its medieval appearance, but the interiors reveal centuries of artistic development, combining Gothic, Renaissance, and Rococo styles. One of the first highlights visitors encounter is the impressive Knights’ Hall, a large medieval reception room featuring a striking late Gothic ribbed vault that reflects the grandeur of the palace’s earliest days. The palace’s most famous room is undoubtedly the magnificent Golden Hall. Regarded as one of Germany’s finest Renaissance ballrooms and the only preserved Renaissance hall built for the Duchy of Württemberg, it dazzles with gilded decoration, Corinthian columns, richly painted walls, and an ornate wooden ceiling. The hall was created for the splendid wedding celebrations of Duke Eberhard and the Italian princess Barbara Gonzaga.