A whisper of French rulers echoes here at Schlösschen Bellevue. This charming palace, also known as Küsel’s Palais, stands before us. It’s more than just a building. It’s a journey through time. Schlösschen Bellevue whispers tales of wealth, ambition and changing fortunes.
In 1756, Hieronymus Küsel, Lübeck’s wealthiest citizen, commissioned this summer residence. Küsel hired Johann Adam Soherr, a famous architect, to create his vision. Küsel wanted a magnificent garden house. He desired terraces styled after French rulers. The property stretched to the Trave River. Visitors arrived by boat. They walked through a park reminiscent of French gardens. Imagine the splendor.
Küsel’s life took a turn. Careless business deals left him impoverished. Schlösschen Bellevue changed hands several times over the next century. In 1878, timber merchant Brügmann bought the land. He valued its access to water and railway. The beautiful parks were divided. Warehouses and production took priority. Only the forecourt, the castle and two gate houses remained.
Küsel spared no expense. The gate to the garden alone cost 12,000 Taler in iron and stone. Two gate houses flanked the small castle. They featured an impressive wrought iron gate. Originally, the facility’s name was displayed in the middle of the gates. Today, a lantern shines there. The main facade appears well-proportioned. It is almost modest for a Rococo building. Delicate cornices adorn the windows achieving mirror symmetry. The mansard roof was originally covered in blue clay tiles. It was renewed in the 1980s in the same style. The facade was once red with light-colored elements.
Inside Schlösschen Bellevue, airy and bright rooms invite visitors. A restoration survey in 2016 revealed original color remnants. You can see an impression of this in the “Zeitreise” or “Time-travel” room. It is the most magnificent remaining evidence of the transition of feudal aristocratic architecture.
Since 2017, Schlösschen Bellevue has opened its doors as a private hotel. It welcomes guests from near and far. The portraits of Küsel and his wife are preserved. The Italian painter Stefano Torelli created them around 1760. They are now displayed in the 18th-century room at the St. Annen Museum.
Schlösschen Bellevue isn’t just a building. It represents a unique time. It marks the transition from Baroque to Rococo style. It is truly a gem of Lübeck. As you stand here, consider the layers of history beneath your feet. Think of the lavish parties, the business deals, the families who walked these halls. This charming palace has seen it all. It remains a testament to Lübeck’s rich past.