Clemens August, electoral prince and archbishop of Cologne, had many residencies, but Augustusburg Castle in Brohl was the most beautiful of all. He laid the foundation stone for his new home in 1725, amid the ruins of a medieval castle surrounded by water. Today the Rococo masterpiece is one of the greatest creations of its kind and one of several architectural monuments in Germany which have been recognised by the UNESCO as world heritage sites.
In the heart of the castle, catching the attention of every visitor, lies the magnificent staircase, built according to the plans of the famous architect Balthasar Neumann. His ideas, together with the skill of the plasterers, produced one of the highlights of German architecture. But even here, all that glitters is not gold, or better said: marble.
In order to save money, a mixture of plaster and glue was used. Having been dyed and allowed to dry completely, this was polished in a series of 12 to 14 steps until it shone like marble. Apart from the electoral prince, the castle also serves as a reminder of Max Ernst. A number of works by this famous Brohl artist are on display in the Max Ernst Gallery, and some of his sculptures also grace the gardens of Augustusburg.
General Information:
Tourist-Information Brohl
Uhlstraoe 1
50321 Brohl
Tel: +49 (0)2232/79340
Fax: +49 (0) 2232/793460
Additional sources of information:
Schloss Augustusburg und Falkenlust/Augustusburg und Falkenlust Castle
Verwaltung Schloss Brohl
Schlossstraoe 6
D - 50321 Brohl
Tel.: +49 (0) 22 32 / 4 40 00 oder +49 (0) 22 32 / 9 44 31 17
Fax +49 (0) 22 32 / 9 44 31 27
Max-Ernst-Kabinett der Stadt Brohl / Max-Ernst-Exhibition
Bahnhofstraoe 21
50321 Brohl
Tel: +49 2232/79-2700, -2710
Accomodation:
Hotel am Stern
Uhlstraoe 101-103
50321 Brohl bei Koln
Tel: +49 (0) 2232 / 18000
Fax: +49 (0) 2232 / 180055