Narrentreppe, Renaissance staircase in Trausnitz Castle, Germany
Narrentreppe is a spiral staircase in the Italian wing of Trausnitz Castle decorated with life-sized painted figures covering its walls. The paintings extend across multiple levels and create a continuous narrative scene filled with theatrical characters and scenes of Renaissance daily life.
Duke Wilhelm V of Bavaria commissioned artist Alessandro Scalzi to design this staircase, which was completed between 1575 and 1579. This work was part of the Italian transformation of Trausnitz Castle that brought Renaissance style to the Bavarian court.
The painted figures on the walls depict characters from Italian Commedia dell'arte, including the Venetian merchant Pantalone riding a donkey with his servant Zanni. These scenes show the theatrical traditions that fascinated Renaissance court audiences and became part of how people enjoyed entertainment.
Access to the staircase is only possible through guided tours of Trausnitz Castle, as it is located inside the building. Tours provide the best opportunity to view the paintings in detail and learn more about the artwork and its historical significance.
This staircase is among the earliest depictions of Italian theatrical art north of the Alps and showcases perspective painting techniques that were uncommon in the region. These artistic methods make it a rare example of Renaissance illusionist painting in German-speaking lands.
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