Schwörhaus, Historic administrative building in Ulm, Germany.
The Schwörhaus stands as a three-story Renaissance building with baroque elements, featuring an open arcade on the ground floor and a distinctive balcony from which ceremonial oaths were traditionally proclaimed to the citizens of Ulm.
Originally constructed between 1612 and 1618 on the site of a former royal palace from 854, the Schwörhaus served as the center of municipal governance where the mayor annually delivered public accountability speeches from its balcony until the tradition was interrupted by political changes in the 19th century.
The building continues to host the annual Schwörmontag ceremony, where Ulm's mayor maintains the centuries-old tradition of delivering a public oath from the historic balcony, symbolizing the city's commitment to democratic accountability and citizen participation in local governance.
Today the Schwörhaus houses the Haus der Stadtgeschichte Ulm, offering visitors exhibitions about the city's history, and can be visited as part of guided tours that explore Ulm's medieval center and its connection to the nearby Ulm Minster.
The building preserves visible remnants of an ancient palace chapel from the Staufen period within its walls, making it one of the few structures where visitors can observe architectural elements spanning over a millennium of German history.
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