Bellevue Palace (Kassel)

Landgrave Karl of Hesse-Kassel commissioned the construction of the Palais Bellevue in 1714, with Paul du Ry presumed to be the architect. Initially, it served as an observatory, replacing older astronomical facilities. In the 18th century, the Palais was inhabited by court society and changed hands several times, always reverting to the Landgrave. It evolved into part of the larger Schloss Bellevue, which Landgrave Wilhelm IX. had transformed into its current state by Simon Louis du Ry around 1790. After the old city palace burned down in 1811, Jérôme Bonaparte resided here until his expulsion. The Palais largely survived World War II unscathed, while the rest of the palace was destroyed and cleared away. Until 1956, it remained in the possession of the House of Hesse before being sold to the city of Kassel.