Recall Duke Ernst August I of Saxony-Weimar. He commissioned the construction of Belvedere Palace from 1724 to 1744. Belvedere Palace stands not far from Weimar. It boasts a beautiful park and an orangery, housing many exotic plants.
Belvedere Palace served various purposes over the years. The princely house of Weimar used Belvedere Palace as a summer residence. Later, young Englishmen resided in part of the complex attending an educational institute. Belvedere’s grounds stretched extensively. Duke Ernst August I had the park laid out as a baroque garden from 1728 to 1748. Later, the grounds transformed into an English landscape park. Around 1811, a Russian garden was created for Grand Duke Carl Friedrich’s Russian wife, Maria Pavlovna.
The Belvedere pleasure palace is located about 4 kilometers south of Weimar’s city center. You can reach the large grounds via a straight avenue. It offers a beautiful view of the yellow-colored castle. Today, wide paths invite you to explore the well-kept grounds. Benches offer spots to take a break, and visiting the park is free. The park spans 43 hectares, offering ample space for exploration.
Notice the symmetrical layout of the complex. Turning your back to Belvedere Palace reveals the long avenue stretching behind. A staircase leads to the central building of the castle. Inside, the access area appears plain. Next to the staircase leading to the second floor, observe four beautiful pictures made of tiles. These tiles are designed in a blue hue and depict windmills and sailing ships.
The tour of Belvedere Palace begins on the first floor. Here, you can see East Asian porcelains and faiences from Thuringia. Hanging portraits of the builder and his family adorn the walls. The second floor showcases many different rooms. Each room features isolated pieces of furniture from the 18th century. Porcelain enthusiasts will be delighted to discover Meissen porcelain and pieces from the Royal Porcelain Manufactory in Berlin.
Look up at the beautiful ceiling painting. It depicts various animals that once lived in the castle’s small zoo. A small mystery surrounds one particular animal. Viewers still debate what kind of animal is depicted. Is it a lion, a monkey, or perhaps a cat? Take a moment to decide for yourself.
In the eastern garden area, an orangery and the gardener’s house were constructed. Around 1760, the Long House and the New House extended this complex. The buildings are arranged around the orangery courtyard. A fountain splashes in the center. Originally, the Orangery served only representative purposes. Soon, a plant collection was created, which also attracted Goethe for scientific observations.
Sometimes one of the doors to the orangery stands open. Inside, orange trees stand. During favorable weather, these trees are placed in the palace park and the orangery courtyard.
Visit the West Pavilion during opening hours. You can freely explore it. A large interactive model of the park offers insights. Touch various places on the map to learn about the history of the castle. The model shows how to get there and provides information about each place.
Since 1998, Belvedere Castle and Park have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit to Belvedere Palace is a journey through history, art, and nature. Its blend of architectural beauty and serene landscapes creates a unique and lasting experience.