Altes Palais, Royal palace in Darmstadt, Germany
Altes Palais is a neoclassical palace in Darmstadt that served as the city residence of the Landgraves of Hesse-Darmstadt. The building impresses with its horseshoe-shaped structure featuring a three-story main section, numerous windows, and a distinctive mansard roof.
The palace was built between 1802 and 1804 under Landgrave Ludwig X of Hesse-Darmstadt as the first permanent city residence for the Hessian ruling family. After World War I and the abdication of the monarchy, it became the headquarters of the Hessian Finance Office.
The palace hosted significant events including the civil wedding of Princess Victoria Alice of Battenberg and Prince Andreas of Greece in 1903.
The building sits in the heart of Darmstadt and is easily accessible on foot, especially from the old town. The palace is located near other attractions and fits well into a walking tour of the city.
A member of the English royal family was born within these walls in 1892, connecting Darmstadt to major European monarchies. This connection made the building an important gathering place for high-ranking royal visits and family celebrations.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.