Court Library Aschaffenburg

The Court Library occupies dedicated spaces within Schloss Johannisburg and holds more than 135,000 volumes covering humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The rooms extend through multiple levels of the castle, offering a comprehensive collection of historical and contemporary works.

Friedrich Karl Joseph von Erthal, the Elector and Archbishop of Mainz, founded the library in 1780 with Wilhelm Heinse as its first librarian. The institution grew over decades and became a significant cultural establishment in the region.

The collection includes rare prints and Reformation writings spanning centuries, reflecting a long intellectual tradition at this location. Visitors can discover the breadth of these holdings while exploring the castle.

Access is designed to be barrier-free for visitors with varying mobility needs, allowing everyone to explore the collection. It is wise to check in advance which rooms or sections are accessible, as certain areas of the castle may be closed at particular times.

During World War II, the entire collection was relocated for protection and only returned in 1960 after the castle underwent restoration. This rescue preserved one of Germany's most important book collections from potential destruction.

Location: Aschaffenburg

Inception: 1780

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Operator: Freistaat Bayern

Part of: Regional State Libraries

Address: Schlossplatz 4, 63739 Aschaffenburg

Opening Hours: Monday 10:00-17:00; Tuesday 10:00-18:00; Wednesday-Thursday 10:00-17:00; Friday 10:00-16:00

Website: http://hofbibliothek-ab.de

GPS coordinates: 49.97616,9.14210

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:24