Fürstäbtliche Residenz

The Fürstäbtliche Residenz in Kempten, Bavaria, is a marvel of baroque architecture and historical significance. This monumental monastic complex, the first of its kind built in Germany after the Thirty Years' War, stands as a testament to the resilience and grandeur of the region's architectural and cultural heritage.

The History of Fürstäbtliche Residenz

The roots of the Fürstäbtliche Residenz stretch back to 1651, when Prince-Abbot Roman Giel von Gielsberg initiated the construction on the site of a destroyed medieval Benedictine monastery. The original monastery had been founded in the mid-8th century, with its first abbot being Audogar, possibly related to the Carolingian Queen Hildegard. The medieval monastery, largely built in the 13th century, was a significant religious center until it was obliterated during the Thirty Years' War in 1632.

The reconstruction of the monastery was spearheaded by the Vorarlberg architect Michael Beer, who was later succeeded by Johann Serro from Graubünden. The new baroque complex included the St. Lorenz Basilica, which is connected to the residence via a sacristy extension. The Residenz itself was designed as a double-courtyard complex, a groundbreaking concept that influenced the development of southern German monastic architecture for the next century.

Exploring the Fürstäbtliche Residenz

The Residenz is a sprawling rectangular structure with a footprint of 145 by 43 meters, divided into two almost equal courtyards by a central transverse building. The architecture is characterized by its symmetry and the prominent square towers at the corners, each topped with short octagons and domed lanterns. The building's facade is adorned with pilasters, half-columns, and arcades, designed by Serro, and the intricate architectural paintings have been restored to their original splendor.

Visitors to the Residenz can explore the opulent state rooms, which were lavishly decorated under Prince-Abbot Anselm von Reichlin-Meldegg in the 1740s. These rooms, adorned with paintings by the Italian-trained Franz Georg Hermann, sculptures by Munich court sculptor Egid Verhelst, and stucco work by Johann Georg Üblher and other artists from the Wessobrunner School, are among the finest examples of southern German Rococo.

The Prunkräume and Their Splendor

Among the highlights of the Residenz are the Prunkräume, or state rooms, which were designed to impress and showcase the wealth and power of the Prince-Abbot. These rooms include the Wappensaal (Coat of Arms Hall) and the Fürstensaal (Prince's Hall). The Wappensaal, located in the northeast wing, is the oldest of the state rooms, featuring a mirror vault with the coat of arms of Abbot Giel von Gielsberg and the convent. The Fürstensaal, which occupies the entire width of the west wing, was completed around 1680 under Prince-Abbot Rupert von Bodman. Its ceiling is adorned with dense stucco foliage, framed by leaf and fruit motifs, and the walls are decorated with large paintings.

The Transformation Over Centuries

After the secularization of the monastery in 1803, the Residenz underwent significant changes. The Stiftsherren (canons) and the last Prince-Abbot Castolus Reichlin von Meldegg were allowed to remain for a time, but the empty spaces were soon occupied by the Bavarian military, which used the complex as a barracks until 1945. The Hofgarten (court garden) was filled with military barracks, a parade ground, and a riding hall.

Following World War II, the Residenz served as a temporary home for displaced persons, primarily Lithuanians, before being gradually restored and repurposed for judicial use. Today, the Residenz houses the Amtsgericht and Landgericht (district and regional courts) of Kempten, and the Prunkräume are open to the public for tours organized by the Heimatverein Kempten.

The Surroundings and Legacy

The Fürstäbtliche Residenz is located in the heart of Kempten, framed by the Hofgarten to the north and the Residenzplatz to the south. The southern forecourt features a green strip, a shallow staircase, a water basin with fountains, and a watercourse, creating a picturesque setting. To the west lies the Hildegardplatz, home to the St. Lorenz Basilica, while to the east stands a large department store that visually competes with the historic complex.

The Residenz, with its rich history and architectural grandeur, is a must-visit for anyone interested in the baroque period, monastic life, or the history of southern Germany. Its walls and halls echo the stories of resilience, transformation, and artistic achievement, making it a true gem in the Bavarian landscape.

In conclusion, the Fürstäbtliche Residenz in Kempten is not just a historic monument; it is a symbol of the region's cultural and architectural legacy. Its blend of history, art, and architecture offers a unique insight into the past, making it an unmissable attraction for visitors to this beautiful Bavarian city.