Palace St. Emmeram
Palace St. Emmeram, located in Regensburg, is Germany’s largest privately inhabited palace and serves as the residence for the Princely Thurn und Taxis family to this day. Once a Benedictine monastery dating back to the 8th century, it now serves as a museum complex
What to See and Do
- Guided Palace Tours: The tours are showcasing the lavishly furnished living and reception rooms, reflecting aristocratic culture from different periods. (More info below)
- Marstall Museum & Treasury: Discover Europe’s last preserved noble carriage fleet (70+ vehicles) and treasures like historic artifacts and jewelry.
- Seasonal Events: Attend the Schlossfestspiele in July, featuring international music stars, or the Romantic Christmas Market (November – December) with festive stalls and lights.
- Basilica of St. Emmeram: This church is regarded as a baroque masterpiece and is part of the palace complex.
Guided Tours
Palace St. Emmeram offers structured guided tours that unlock its 500+ rooms, medieval cloisters, and opulent state chambers, revealing centuries of Thurn und Taxis family heritage. Tours take around 80 min.
You can book tickets online or at the palace. Advanced booking is recommended.
- Admission: €17 (adults), €14 (students/children over 10). Free for under-10s with adults
- Schedule: During Peak Season (Summer) – daily tours. In winter time, weekend tours only. Find the exact times at the official website.
Marstall & Treasury Museum
Explore the Marstall Museum’s 70+ carriages and the treasury’s goldwork & porcelain. You can find more info and opening times at the website. Tickets are bought independently to the guided tour.
History & Facts
Founded in 739 AD as a monastery near St. Emmeram’s tomb, the site became a princely residence in 1812 when the Thurn und Taxis family transformed the secularized abbey into their palace after losing postal rights to Bavaria. Albert II, Prince of Thurn and Taxis, is the 12th prince residing there.
- Architectural Blend: The complex merges a 12th-century Romanesque abbey wing with a neo-Gothic south wing (1883) and Rococo interiors.
- Fun Fact: With over 500 rooms, it’s Germany’s largest privately inhabited palace.
Schlossfestspiele (Castle Festival)
For summer music lovers, taking place in July over a span of about one week, featuring diverse genres in the palace courtyard. You can find the most up to date info on the official website.
2025 Highlights
- Verdi’s Nabucco (July 18-19): Experience the National Theatre Brno’s open-air production of Verdi’s opera, featuring the iconic “Va, pensiero” chorus, a symbol of freedom and Italian identity.
- Jonas Kaufmann’s Opera Gala (July 20): The world-renowned tenor joins soprano Rachel Willis-Sørensen and the Hofer Symphoniker for a night of operatic masterpieces, spanning Italian, French, and German repertoires.
- Giovanni Zarrella’s Italian Extravaganza (July 24): The charismatic entertainer brings “Dolce Vita” flair with Italian pop classics and German hits.
Romantic Christmas Market
Held annually from late November to December, this market transforms the palace grounds into a festive village with over 150 stalls, firepits, and a towering Christmas tree. It is set in the palace park and parts of the inner courtyard. It has an entrance fee. Official Info
- Dates for 2025: November 21 – December 23,2025
Map
Getting There
- Address: Emmeramsplatz 5, 93047 Regensburg
- Walking Route: It’s a pleasant walk of a few minutes from Regensburg Hauptbahnhof (train station) to Palace St. Emmeram.
- By Bus: Several bus lines from the main bus station (located directly in front of the Hauptbahnhof) will take you close to the palace.
Visit Nearby
- Basilica of St. Emmeram: Just next to the palace you’ll find this stunning baroque church. Open daily to the public.
- Regensburg Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with cobblestone streets, the 13th-century Stone Bridge, and St. Peter’s Cathedral.
- Danube River Walks: Stroll along the riverbanks or take a boat tour for scenic views.
- Historische Wurstkuchl: Try Regensburg’s oldest sausage kitchen (since 1146) near the Stone Bridge.
Links
Blog post about the palace by castleholic
Further Reading
Credits
Created with data by Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 4.0 & OpenStreetMap / ODbL
Photos in order of appearance: (You can also click on each photo for more info)
1: Photo Details / CC BY-SA 3.0 de (Cropped), 2: Photo Details / CC BY-SA 3.0 de (Cropped), 3: Photo Details / CC BY 3.0 (Cropped), 4: Photo Details / CC BY-SA 4.0 (Cropped), 5: Photo Details / CC BY-SA 3.0 de (Cropped), 6: Photo Details / CC BY-SA 3.0 de (Cropped), 7: Photo Details / CC BY-SA 3.0 de, 8: Photo Details / CC BY-SA 3.0 de