Schloss Harthausen, Royal palace in Rettenbach, Germany.
Schloss Harthausen is a four-story palace in Rettenbach with two side wings, curved gables, and corner towers arranged symmetrically around a central courtyard. The structure combines different architectural styles and shows how the building evolved across several periods.
The southern wing dates to around 1450 with Gothic construction and forms the oldest part of the complex. Between 1763 and 1770, Baron Johann Alexander von Riedheim ordered extensive renovations that gave the palace its current appearance.
Multiple family crests in stucco above the entrance gate represent connections to local noble families such as Riedheim, Stauffenberg, and Hornstein. These symbols tell the story of generations who lived in and shaped the residence.
The palace is located at Schloßstraße 12 in Rettenbach-Harthausen and remains a private residence with limited access. Visitors should know that the grounds are not open to the public and can only be viewed from outside.
About half of the palace windows are painted as trompe-l'oeil, creating an optical illusion on the facade. This clever painting technique was a fashionable way to demonstrate artistic skill and wealth at the time.
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