Villa Jaenisch

Villa Jaenisch is a neoclassical residence in Kaiserslautern with a main house and separate coachman's cottage. An underground tunnel system connects the structures and originally functioned as a beer cellar before later serving as an air-raid shelter.

The building was constructed in 1913 by architect Eduard Brill as a private residence. After 1945 it became a command headquarters for American forces and later housed French gendarmes.

The villa became a House of Encounters in 1957 and later served the Catholic University Community until recent years. Visitors can see how the space was designed to bring people together for dialogue and gathering.

The villa is located in a quiet residential area of Kaiserslautern and is easily accessible on foot. Visitors should check ahead for visiting hours since the building is not always open for tours.

French General Jean-Marie Degoutte occupied the villa from 1919 through the late 1920s, when it was still known as Villa Zschocke. His residence here reflects the French occupation period that shaped the region after World War I.

Location: Kaiserslautern

GPS coordinates: 49.44860,7.76790

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:27