Palais Papius

Palais Papius is a two-story baroque building with a light-colored plastered facade and an arched stone entrance that draws visitors into the courtyard. A rectangular inner yard is surrounded by four connected wings that form a closed residential complex.

The building was begun around 1740 by Johann Conrad Heeser von Lilienthal and expanded in 1756 by Johann Hermann Franz von Pape into a four-wing complex. This growth reflects the rising importance of the family within Wetzlar's society.

The palace displays European furniture and objects that tell the story of how people lived across different regions and centuries. Visitors see pieces from Italy, France, the Netherlands, and Germany that show the daily lives and tastes of their owners through carefully chosen items.

Visitors can explore the building through guided tours or with audio guides that are available on-site. It is helpful to check in advance when tours run and whether guides are available in your preferred language.

The palace holds a wall hanging from 1450 to 1470 with detailed pomegranate bud patterns made from silk and metallic threads. This intricate handwork demonstrates the technical skill and wealth of that era.