Barockes Universum Gotha

Friedenstein Palace & The Ducal Museum in Gotha

A Baroque universe

Friedenstein Palace towers over the city with its differently shaped corner towers as a landmark that can be seen from afar. Ernest the Pious laid the foundation stone for the palace that is considered be a prime example of Early Baroque architecture among the ruins of Grimmenstein Castle in 1643 as the Thirty Years’ War was coming to an end.

The monumental fortifications around the palace were razed at the end of the 18th century as they were no longer required – Friedenstein, which means “rock of peace”, lived up to its name and never had to suffer destruction. This fact is interesting for architecture enthusiasts but also of immense importance for the palace’s extensive collections. They are exhibited in the palace’s three museums and the Ducal Museum south of the palace quadrangle today.

Barockes Universum Überblick