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Insel Mainau / Peter Allgaier
Baroque jewel in the centre of the island
The architectural centrepiece is Mainau Castle, the castle of the Teutonic Order. It was built between 1739 and 1746 according to the plans of Johann Caspar Bagnato, who also supervised its construction. Despite limited financial resources, the result was an architecturally extremely balanced and symmetrical palace complex that radiates great harmony. The two side wings open in a horseshoe shape towards the mainland, while the wide side faces Lake Constance. The building consists of a base on which two storeys rise. The coats of arms of Grand Master Clemens August von Bayern, Landkomtur Philipp von Froberg and Mainau-Komtur Friedrich von Baden can be seen particularly splendidly on the west gable. The east gable facing the lake bears the coat of arms of the Teutonic Order. The upper floors can be reached via simple staircases in the side wings. The centrepiece of the palace is the former audience hall, the so-called ‘White Hall’ in white and gold, which only acquired its current appearance in 1883. It is only open to the public for concerts or special events.
The lower part of the palace is open to visitors. Exhibitions are regularly held here in the historic coat of arms hall.
The castle café is also located here. On selected dates, it is also possible to visit the exclusive castle rooms: Castle tour dates, teatime, pop-up restaurant.
