Schloss Höchstädt

Schloss Höchstädt is a royal palace in Höchstädt an der Donau featuring four wings surrounding a central courtyard with late Renaissance design and a Gothic tower. The German Faience Museum inside displays over 1000 ceramic pieces from the 17th and 18th centuries.

The palace was built between 1589 and 1603 by Graubünden masons following designs by Lienhart Grieneisen. It served as a widow's residence for Duchess Anna until 1632 and became closely associated with the 1704 Battle of Höchstädt, a turning point in the War of Spanish Succession.

The chapel inside holds ceiling paintings that show important examples of South German Protestant art from before the Counter-Reformation.

Visitors enter through the main gate and can explore the museum rooms around the courtyard as well as the chapel and Gothic tower. The best time to visit is during daytime hours when natural light illuminates the architectural details and the chapel paintings.

The palace houses permanent exhibitions about the Battle of Höchstädt that immerse visitors in the military events of this decisive early 18th century conflict. These displays present artifacts and documents that connect this location to broader European history in ways visitors often overlook.