It was built between 1703 and 1718 by Elector Clemens August of Bavaria to serve as his summer residence. The palace has a unique Baroque style architecture with spectacular gardens and fountains surrounding it, making it one of the most iconic landmarks in Bonn.
The palace was used by several generations of electors until 1815 when it became part of Prussia after Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo. In 1818, it was converted into a university library for the University of Bonn, which still continues to this day.
Today, Kurfürstliches Schloss serves as a museum that houses various artefacts from its past including furniture from the 18th century, paintings from famous artists such as Rubens and Rembrandt, sculptures from ancient Rome and Greece plus much more. Visitors can also explore its splendid gardens, where they will find stunning fountains featuring figures such as Neptune and Amphitrite surrounded by lush greenery.
The palace is open to visitors every day except Mondays throughout the year, with guided tours available on Saturdays during peak season (April – October). Admission is free, but tickets must be purchased online prior to visiting due to limited capacity regulations imposed because of Covid-19 restrictions.
