Schloss St. Emmeram

Deep within the heart of Regensburg, Schloss St. Emmeram stands as a testament to a rich and fascinating past. Originally a Benedictine monastery, its story begins around 739 at the grave of Saint Emmeram. Imagine the quiet hum of monastic life echoing through the halls of what was then known as Saint Emmeram’s Abbey. The abbey flourished, gaining Reichsfreiheit, or imperial immediacy, in 1295. This meant it answered directly to the emperor. This status elevated Schloss St. Emmeram to a position of power and influence. Fast forward to the 18th century, a period of intellectual revitalization. The abbots were elevated to Princes of the Empire in 1731. The Asam brothers, renowned for their Baroque artistry, were commissioned to refurbish the abbey church. Their opulent touch can still be admired today in the Basilica of St. Emmeram. However, the winds of change swept through Europe with the secularization of 1803. Schloss St. Emmeram, along with other significant institutions in Regensburg, lost its independent status. It became part of the Principality of Regensburg under Carl Theodor von Dalberg. Many of the abbey’s treasures, including its impressive library which held works like the Codex Aureus of St. Emmeram, were moved to Munich. A new chapter began in 1812 when the former abbey was granted to the Princes of Thurn und Taxis. They transformed Schloss St. Emmeram into their palatial residence. The Thurn und Taxis family had made their mark as postal magnates in the Holy Roman Empire. This new purpose breathed life back into the historic walls. The palace became a hub of activity, reflecting the family’s wealth and influence. Today, Schloss St. Emmeram, also known as Schloss Thurn und Taxis, remains the family’s primary residence. It stands as a remarkable blend of monastic tranquility and aristocratic grandeur, inviting visitors to explore its multifaceted history.