Residenzplatz

Residenzplatz in Passau

In numerous cities in German-speaking countries there is now a Residenzplatz , as a large representative square was usually created in front of the respective residence of a secular or spiritual prince (or other powerful ruler). During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, many such large “stately” residence squares were built, which, together with the seat of government (the residence), were intended to vividly demonstrate the power and prestige of the respective ruler.

The ideas of an ideal city that prevailed in the early modern era called for a city based on geometric principles, based on ancient Roman cities, in which the main square - often synonymous with the Residenzplatz - should be located, which as an ideal should be surrounded by again other geometrically arranged places. All of these places were to be opened up in a star shape by the higher-level main streets.

Examples

The following residence places are particularly well known:

• the Residenzplatz (Salzburg)
• the Residenzplatz (Würzburg)
• the Residenzplatz (Passau)

There are also residence places in Eichstätt and Neumarkt in the Upper Palatinate .