Passau Tourism
Architecture
The New Episcopal Residence was built until 1730 in the Viennese late Baroque style. Two portal porches and a roof balustrade with figural decoration give the building an imposing appearance. The staircase is considered a masterpiece of the Rococo style. The stucco decoration is delicate at first but becomes more opulent with each landing. One discovers the rocailles and flowers of the Modler family. Lead lantern putti sit on the bannisters. The ceiling fresco shows "The gods of Olympus protect the imperishable Passau".
History
The building served the Passau prince bishops as a representative and residential building. The splendidly furnished rooms were used for receptions, audiences, work, and prayer. Today, the New Residence houses the Bishop's Ordinariate with the entrance to the museum at the cathedral. The building is connected to the Old Residence via the Saalbau.
Nearby
Museum at the Cathedral: Located in the hall building of the Residenz, the museum displays masterpieces from the Romanesque period to the present. In 1676, the Austrian Emperor Leopold I celebrated his marriage to Eleonora, daughter of the Count Palatine and Duke of Palatinate-Neuburg, in the "Great Court Hall".
Wittelsbach Fountain: Built in 1903 in the Baroque style, the fountain on Residenzplatz depicts Mary on the tall central column. Three angels at her feet represent Passau's rivers: Angel "Danube" wears ears of corn in her hair, Angel "Ilz" is decorated with pearls, and Angel "Inn" has a Tyrolean hat on her head.
