Schloss Johannisburg

Schloss Johannisburg, majestically perched above the Main River in Aschaffenburg, Bavaria, is a true gem of Renaissance architecture and historical significance. This grand castle, with its distinctive red sandstone façade, has stood as a silent witness to centuries of history, from its origins as a medieval fortress to its current status as a cultural treasure trove.

The History of Schloss Johannisburg

The site of Schloss Johannisburg has a rich and varied history that dates back to the 13th century. Initially serving as the second residence for the Archbishops of Mainz, the original medieval castle was a significant political and religious center. The castle witnessed numerous important events, including princely assemblies and episcopal synods, and hosted notable guests such as King Ludwig the Bavarian and King Wenceslaus of Luxembourg.

The castle's significance grew even more when Archbishop Albrecht of Brandenburg moved his residence here in 1539 due to the Reformation. However, the medieval structure met its demise during the Margravial War in 1552, when it was plundered and destroyed. Fortunately, some of the art treasures, including works by Lucas Cranach the Elder, survived and are now part of the castle's impressive collection.

The current Schloss Johannisburg was commissioned by Archbishop Johann Schweikhard von Cronberg in 1604. The renowned architect Georg Ridinger from Strasbourg was tasked with its construction. Ridinger incorporated the remnants of the old castle, including the large Gothic keep, into the new Renaissance design. The castle was completed in 1614, and Schweikhard marked the occasion by minting commemorative coins featuring the castle and his coat of arms.

Architectural Marvel

Schloss Johannisburg is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture. The castle's design is a symmetrical four-winged layout with dimensions of 87.5 meters by 86 meters. The red sandstone used for the facades was sourced from quarries in the Miltenberg and Obernburg regions, giving the castle its distinctive appearance. The eight-story corner towers, standing at 52 meters high, are particularly impressive and add to the castle's grandeur.

The castle's façade is adorned with intricate details, including profiled window frames and ornate gables in the middle axes of the connecting wings. The towers feature balustrades around their seventh floors and octagonal cupolas on top, creating a visually striking silhouette. The castle is surrounded by a dry moat and can be accessed via a bridge on the southeast side.

Inside, the castle originally housed a variety of rooms, including kitchens, administrative offices, and living quarters for the archbishop. The first floor of the Main wing was designated as the archbishop's residence, while the second floor contained the Kaiserappartement, reserved for the emperor. The grand Kaisersaal, with its seven-window span, was a highlight of this suite.

Surviving Turbulent Times

Schloss Johannisburg has endured its share of turmoil over the centuries. During the Thirty Years' War, the castle narrowly escaped destruction thanks to the quick thinking of a Capuchin friar named Bernhard of Trier. When the Swedish King Gustavus Adolphus threatened to burn the castle, Bernhard cleverly pointed out the numerous wheels carved above the windows, suggesting the king could simply roll the castle back to Sweden. Amused, the king spared the castle.

In 1792, Archbishop Friedrich Karl Joseph von Erthal fled Mainz ahead of advancing French troops, bringing valuable furniture, paintings, and other treasures to Aschaffenburg. The castle and its surroundings were subsequently remodeled in the neoclassical style by court architect Emanuel Herigoyen.

World War II brought significant damage to Schloss Johannisburg. The castle was heavily bombed and shelled during the Battle of Aschaffenburg in 1945, resulting in extensive fires that gutted much of the interior. However, the post-war desire to restore the castle led to a meticulous reconstruction effort, aided by historical records from its original construction. The restoration was completed in 1964, and the castle was reopened to the public.

A Cultural Treasure Trove

Today, Schloss Johannisburg is a vibrant cultural hub, housing several museums and collections. The Staatsgalerie Aschaffenburg, an extension of the Bavarian State Painting Collections, is a highlight. It features an impressive array of paintings, including works by Lucas Cranach the Elder, his son, and their pupils, as well as a notable collection of 17th and 18th-century Dutch and Flemish masters. The gallery reopened in 2023 after extensive renovations.

The castle also boasts a Paramentenkammer, showcasing valuable liturgical vestments and textiles. Visitors can explore the castle's history through its various exhibits, which include artifacts from its time as a residence for the archbishops and its later use by the Bavarian monarchy.

Schloss Johannisburg is not just a historical monument; it is a living testament to the resilience and cultural richness of Aschaffenburg. Its walls have witnessed centuries of history, from medieval feasts to wartime struggles, and today, it stands as a beacon of art and heritage, inviting visitors to explore its storied past and vibrant present.