Bavaria looks back on a long history. This is evident not only in the most beautiful sights in Munich itself, but also in all the famous castles around the state capital. King Ludwig made his penchant for pomp and splendor clear here. One of the state’s historic castles is Trausnitz Castle. It towers majestically over the Lower Bavarian district capital of Landshut and offers a fascinating mix of fortified medieval architecture on the outside and magnificent Renaissance art on the inside.
From famous weddings to the Fools’ Staircase
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Trausnitz Castle was founded in 1204 by Duke Ludwig of Kelheim – in the same year as the city of Landshut itself. For centuries, it was the ancestral seat and residence of the “Rich Dukes” of Bavaria-Landshut. It was the political center of one of the most powerful sub-duchies in Bavaria.
It is also famous for an important wedding: the castle was the venue for the famous marriage of the duke’s son Georg to the Polish king’s daughter Hedwig in 1475. To this day, it is reenacted every four years in the city.
But the castle’s most unique feature is the Fools’ Staircase.This is a staircase that was painted at the end of the 16th century with life-size scenes from the Italian Commedia dell’arte. Here you can see Harlequin and Pantalone. It is the only example of its kind north of the Alps.
What you can experience in the castle today
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Today, the castle houses a branch of the Bavarian National Museum. The cabinet of curiosities contains all kinds of curious collectibles from the Renaissance dukes: discover everything from exotic animal specimens to filigree ivory carvings.
The panorama from Trausnitz Castle is also well worth seeing : from the wall terrace, you have one of the most beautiful views in Bavaria over the roofs of Landshut’s old town and the famous St. Martin’s Church.
And, of course, you can also visit the castle itself. The state rooms, the castle chapel with its valuable medieval sculptures, and, of course, the Fools’ Staircase will be explained in more detail during guided tours. There are even special themed tours for children – take a closer look at the event calendar. If you still haven’t had enough culture, the Hofgarten is also worth seeing! There is even a small zoo in the extensive park.