Alte Residenz

The Alte Residenz stands in Passau’s old town, directly opposite the cathedral. The complex is listed as a monument and contains parts from many centuries. A Romanesque door frame from 1180 is the oldest surviving piece. The building grew under the prince-bishops, who owned the site from 1188. In the 16th century Leonard Uttner and Christoforo Canevale enlarged it. Later craftsmen added rich stucco ceilings by the Carlone school in 1685 and Giovanni Battista d’Allio in 1720. Visitors walk through rooms that still show these decorations. The former court chapel, built in 1693 by Balthasar Vecchio, now serves as a courtroom. Above, five stately chambers from the 18th century include the Indian trellis room and the audience hall. A connecting hall links the Alte Residenz to the Neue Residenz.