New Palace

In the heart of Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Württemberg, stands a magnificent testament to Baroque architecture and royal grandeur: the New Palace (Neues Schloss). This splendid three-winged palace, which began construction in 1746 under Duke Carl Eugen of Württemberg, is an emblem of the region's rich history and cultural heritage. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, the New Palace is a must-visit destination that promises to captivate and inspire.

The Origins of the New Palace

The story of the New Palace begins with Duke Carl Eugen, who ascended to the ducal throne of Württemberg at the tender age of nine in 1737. Initially sent to be educated at the court of the Prussian King Frederick II, Carl Eugen returned to Württemberg at sixteen, ready to take on his ducal duties. At that time, the ducal residence was located in Ludwigsburg, a town 12 kilometers from Stuttgart. Eager to bring the economic and political benefits of a ducal residence back to Stuttgart, the city and the Württemberg estates supported Carl Eugen's demand for a new, grand residence that would replace the outdated Old Castle.

Several architects submitted their designs for the new palace, but it was Leopoldo Retti's vision that won the Duke's favor. Retti, influenced by his uncle Donato Giuseppe Frisoni who had built the Ludwigsburg Palace, chose the site of an old crossbow house in the Lustgarten for the new construction. His design featured a grand courtyard facing north, avoiding the view of the nearby military academy and preserving the New Lusthaus.

Construction Phases

Construction of the New Palace began on September 3, 1746, with the foundation stone laid for the garden wing. Under the supervision of Johann Christoph David von Leger, and later Retti himself, the exterior of the Corps de Logis and the garden wing were completed by 1749. Tragically, Retti passed away in 1751, leaving the project in the hands of his friend, the Parisian architect Philippe de La Guêpière.

De La Guêpière continued the work, completing the city wing by 1752 and incorporating modern French architectural theories, heavily influenced by the Palace of Versailles. His contributions included the interior design of the garden wing and parts of the Corps de Logis, as well as the grand portico and dome over the Marble Hall.

Challenges and Interruptions

The construction of the New Palace was not without its challenges. In 1762, a devastating fire destroyed much of the garden wing, including its lavish interiors. Despite attempts to rebuild, financial constraints and Duke Carl Eugen's shifting interests led to a halt in construction by 1764. The Duke moved his residence back to Ludwigsburg, and the palace remained incomplete for several years.

It wasn't until 1775, upon the visit of Russian Tsar Paul I, that Carl Eugen returned to Stuttgart and initiated repairs and enhancements to the palace. The Marble Hall was adorned with a ceiling painting by Nicolas Guibal, adding to the palace's splendor.

Completion and Later Modifications

After Carl Eugen's death in 1793, the task of completing the palace fell to Nikolaus Friedrich von Thouret, under the reign of Duke Friedrich II. Thouret finalized the construction in time for the visit of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806. Subsequent modifications included the addition of the Red Marble Hall for Tsar Alexander I's visit in 1817.

Throughout the 19th century, the New Palace underwent various renovations under the direction of architects Giovanni Salucci and Ferdinand Gabriel. Their work included the creation of the Grey and Yellow Marble Halls in 1836 and the addition of frescoes by court painter Joseph Anton von Gegenbaur, depicting scenes from Württemberg's history.

Modern Era and Reconstruction

The New Palace's role evolved significantly after the abdication of King Wilhelm II in 1918. It became state property and housed institutions such as the German Foreign Institute and the Stuttgart Police Headquarters. During World War II, the palace suffered extensive damage from air raids, leaving it in ruins by 1944.

Debate over the palace's future ensued, with some advocating for its demolition in favor of a hotel. However, public outcry and efforts by preservationists led to a decision to reconstruct the palace's exterior, which was completed between 1958 and 1964 under architect Horst Linde. Today, the New Palace serves as a government building, housing the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

For visitors, the New Palace offers a glimpse into Stuttgart's regal past. Regular guided tours provide access to its opulent interiors, including the grand staircases, the Marble Hall, and the White Hall. As you stroll through the palace and its surrounding gardens, you'll be transported back in time, experiencing the grandeur and history that have shaped this iconic landmark.

In conclusion, the New Palace in Stuttgart is not just a historical monument; it is a living testament to the city's rich cultural heritage. Its walls echo the stories of dukes and kings, of architectural triumphs and challenges, making it a captivating destination for anyone exploring the heart of Baden-Württemberg.