Neues Schloss Schleißheim

Although less well-known than the Nymphenburg, the Schleißheim Castle is no less remarkable for it. According to the huge plans for this 30-metre wide structure, other buildings could have acted as annexes to it. In fact, the intention was for the old castle to complete the monumental overall structure via a wing located to the west. The principal was Max Emanuel. Schleißheim was the Prince Elector’s way of celebrating victory over the Turks and underlining his ambition of acceding to the Emperor’s thrown. But, instead of triumph, Max Emanuel eventually ‘enjoyed’ exile, with the construction of the castle held back as a result. Schleißheim, then, became a failed attempt by a German prince to better Versailles. However, it remains one of the most beautiful castles in all Bavaria, containing a rich collection of works of art and valuable domestic objects that once belonged to a genuine sovereign.