Mainau Castle

The castle was started in 1739 on the site of Mainau Castle, which was demolished in the 18th century, according to the designs of Johann Caspar Bagnato (Giovanni Gaspare Bagnato) and under his construction management, and completed after seven years of construction. The three-winged Baroque castle was built around a courtyard of honor and with a side terrace garden. The huge Teutonic Order coat of arms adorns the central risalit. The castle is still the residence of the count's family. The count's flag, hoisted on the castle roof, indicates whether the count's family is present. The private rooms are located in the north wing, i.e. to the left from the castle courtyard, in the inaccessible part of the castle. The centerpiece is the former audience hall, the so-called "White Hall" in white and gold, which only received its current appearance in 1883. It is only open to the public for concerts or special events. Changing exhibitions are shown in the central wing. In the south wing there is a café with a terrace under the tall palm trees of the castle terrace. The palm house, an elaborate glass construction, protects the trees all year round. More than 20 species of palms grow here, including a more than 15-meter-high Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis), which was planted in 1888.