Johannisburg Palace

Johannisburg Palace (Schloss Johannisburg) in Aschaffenburg is one of the most important Renaissance palaces in Germany and the defining landmark of this Bavarian town on the Main River. Built of red sandstone with four towering corner turrets, it served for centuries as the second residence of the Archbishop-Electors of Mainz. Inside, you can see paintings by Lucas Cranach, a famous collection of cork models of ancient Rome, and furnished princely apartments.

History and architecture

A medieval castle of the Mainz archbishops stood here until it was destroyed in 1552. Elector Johann Schweikhard von Cronberg then commissioned the Strasbourg architect Georg Ridinger, who built the new palace between 1605 and 1614. Only the old Gothic keep was kept and worked into the new structure. The square, symmetrical palace measures about 87 by 86 meters, and its corner towers rise 52 meters. After the electorate ended, it passed to the Bavarian crown in 1814. Heavily damaged in World War II, it was rebuilt and is now run by the Bavarian Palace Administration.

Things to see

• The State Gallery with works by Lucas Cranach the Elder and his workshop.
• The cork model collection, 45 detailed models of ancient Roman buildings made between 1792 and 1854.
• The palace chapel with its Renaissance altar, presented with a light-and-sound installation.
• The vestments chamber with liturgical robes from the former Mainz cathedral treasury.
• The princely apartments with neoclassical furniture, plus the city-run Palace Museum.

Plan 90 minutes to two and a half hours. You can explore on your own; guided tours are offered at extra cost.

Tickets and opening hours

As of October 2026, according to the Bavarian Palace Administration:

• April to October 3: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry 5:30 p.m.)
• October 4 to March: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last entry 3:30 p.m.)
• Closed Mondays except some public holidays, and on January 1, Shrove Tuesday, and December 24, 25, and 31.

Admission is €7 (reduced €6). A €10 combination ticket also covers the Pompejanum. Visitors under 18 get in free.

How to get to Johannisburg Palace

Aschaffenburg is about 40 km east of Frankfurt, making this an easy day trip from Frankfurt; regional trains run frequently and are covered by the Deutschlandticket. From Aschaffenburg's main station, walk through the old town or take a bus to the "Stadthalle" stop. Parking is available in front of the palace and along Suicardusstraße by the river. Frankfurt Airport is the closest international gateway.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes. The palace is grand without being overcrowded, and the cork models are a genuine curiosity you will not find elsewhere in this form. Combine it with the riverside gardens and the Pompejanum for a relaxed half day.

Nearby

• Pompejanum, a replica of a Roman villa from Pompeii built for King Ludwig I.
• Palace garden with terraces above the Main.
• Schönbusch Park, one of Germany's early English-style landscape gardens.
• Collegiate Church of St. Peter and Alexander in the old town.