We toured 2 beautiful ”houses” today, both built by Clemens August, the Cologne Elector and Archbishop. One was his 120-room main residence and gardens in Bruhle which he called Augustusburg Palace, and the other his nearby hunting lodge which was called Falkenlust. Both of the houses are on the World Heritage List.
Both of the houses are masterpieces of German Rococo. Both houses are decorated in Rococo ornamentation called Rocaille, an 18th century French style featuring carved wood or plasterwork of elaborately stylized shell-like, rocklike, and scroll motifs as well as flower, fern, and coral forms.
Augustusburg Palace
Augusturburg Palace was built from 1728-1768. There’s very little furniture in the palace and only 3 pieces of furniture there are original. During the war, France came in and removed all but 2 of the pieces of furniture from the house and a 3rd piece was purchased back from France by the palace later on. Fortunately the house was not destroyed.
We were concerned when we were told we were allowed to take photos in only 3 rooms, but fortunately they turned out to be the 3 prettiest rooms. Below are a few photos.
The front of the palace which the owner described as a smaller version of the Palace at Versailles. If you look closely, you can see 2 bridal parties. Actually, since it was a Saturday, we saw no less than 8 bridal groups taking photos at the palace. Weddings are not allowed at the palace but apparently it’s a very popular location for taking professional wedding photos.
The lower part of the staircase. This stairway was absolutely gorgeous.
Here’s the top part of the staircase with an interesting black chandelier.
This ceiling above the staircase was amazing. It looked like a dome ceiling but actually wasn’t. It had flat sides and a flat ceiling like an ordinary room but was creatively painted to give the illusion of being rounded.
A huge dining room. Notice the tall fountain built into the wall on the right where dinner guests could get cold drinks.
One of the beautiful ceilings.
Simply amazing marble columns.
French-style gardens that were beautiful but more natural than the usual more manicured palace gardens.
Lots of Canada Geese were strolling the lawns looking for food. But we also saw these other 2 geese that our guide identified as Egyptian Geese which are new to us. They were quiet when we saw them but apparently they can get very vocal.
Hunting Lodge Falkenlust
The Hunting Lodge was built in 1729-1737. August selected this site because it was in the flight path of herons, the favorite prey of falconry, from their breeding grounds at the palace gardens to their fishing grounds on the Rhine. August was an avid falconer and he and his hunting parties used their falcons to catch the herons, then tagging and releasing them.
This is the front of the house which looks a little strange because the current entrance is in the back.
The staircase to the second floor. There are more than 10,000 Dutch tiles in this area. It’s amazing.
At the top of the stairs.
A close-up of some of the tiles in the walls in the staircase.
The ceiling over the staircase.
Walls in one of the bedrooms.
More walls of tiles.
One of the beautiful ceilings.
The bathroom!
In 1730 a chapel was added on the grounds of the hunting lodge.
Our Viking River Cruise 
Loved the Augusturburg Palace, the high, beautiful ceilings and the marble was so pretty.
The Blue tile at the hunting lodge is amazing. Imagine the skilled craftsmen it took to get that done. The bathroom left a lot to be desired, but given the time and circumstances I guess it was a pretty good deal. 🤔. The chapel was quaint and unique too.
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Loving this blog – as always…
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My name is Gerene. I’m Joyce and Chuck’s next-door neighbor while on this cruise. Joyce is definitely a gem with her writing skills and as a neighbor. Thank you, Joyce, for allowing me to join your blog; this is a wonderful addition to our cruise! Thank you!!
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