Kurfürstliches Palais

There were a few things that the people of Trier accused their archbishop of over the centuries. The fact that he didn’t recognise their imperial immediacy particularly rankled with them. But one thing they couldn’t accuse him of was a lack of self-expression. After he assumed the position of prince-elector in the 13th century, which enabled him to co-elect the king, it was especially important to the Trier leader to convey not only his spiritual, but also his secular, power.

So it’s no wonder he arranged for Emperor Constantine’s highly symbolic throne hall to undergo extensive renovation. Trier’s bishops had been using it as a castle since as early as the turn of the millennium; now, in the late 16th century, the ancient palace assembly hall was narrowed, and three Renaissance-style wings added. But that wasn’t enough: In the north, the construction teams began building a ‘lower palace’ with utility rooms and an archive building (today the ‘Red Tower’ housing the bells of the Basilica of Constantine).

In the 18th century, however, rococo was the defining architectural style – which was unfortunate for someone who wanted his residence to reflect the prevailing tastes of the time. In 1756, therefore, the Renaissance southern wing was replaced by a rococo-style wing. Johannes Seiz, a student of Balthasar Neumann, was once again awarded the contract, having also helped out with St Paulin’s, the cathedral, and the St George’s fountain at Kornmarkt Square. The artistic staircase inside the palace is one of his particular masterpieces. Also involved was Ferdinand Tietz, who had also learned from Neumann. He is responsible for the sculptures in the Palace Garden (now replicas; most of the originals are at the Stadtmuseum Simeonstift City Museum). Although it probably wasn’t something of importance to most Trierers back then, a lack of patronage of the arts is not something the archbishop can be accused of either.

As the Electoral Palace is used as an administrative building by the Supervisory and Services Directorate, tours of the inner courtyard, foyer, staircase and baroque hall are only possible on certain days and/or during cultural events such as the Moselle Music Festival.