The ornamentation in the Ludwigsburg palace chapel is unusually opulent for a Protestant church. It is considered one of the most majestic and artistically significant spaces at the palace, and has been preserved in almost complete original condition.
Period representation of the palace chapel.
Construction on the palace chapel began as early as 1716. Its grandiose decor is an indication that the palace would soon be an official residential palace. No other such magnificent chapels exist in Protestant Württemberg. Beneath the chapel, the duke built a tomb for the royal family. The coffins of Duke Eberhard Ludwig, Duke Carl Eugen, King Friedrich I and many other members of the House of Württemberg now reside there.
The ducal box in the palace chapel.
The Italian architect, Donato Giuseppe Frisoni, created a central building with an eye toward tradition, in other words, a church interior that was circular instead of longitudinal. He was following in the footsteps of the great sepulchral tombs of antiquity. The ruling family could reach the ducal box seat in the two-story chapel directly from their living quarters. The members of the court took their places in the side galleries.
The imposing ceiling painting "Glorification of the Holy Trinity" by Carlo Carlone decorates the central cupola of the palace chapel.
The splendor of the chapel served both denominations.
The palace chapel changed denomination depending on whether the ruler was Protestant or Catholic. Duke Eberhard Ludwig, a Protestant, built it as a Protestant chapel; however, it became Catholic under the Catholic rulers, Carl Alexander and Carl Eugen. King Friedrich I redecorated the palace chapel in 1798 to again suit a Protestant service. To do so, he had the pulpit, organ and altar from the order chapel moved to the palace chapel. Today, the palace chapel is once again used for Catholic mass.
Getting married and looking for a special place for your perfect day? Ludwigsburg Residential Palace offers many options, such as getting married in the palace chapel or the gaming pavilion. The palace administration office can help.
