Neue Residenz

The Neue Residenz stands in Passau, a town in Lower Bavaria. Built between 1712 and 1730 for the prince-bishops of Passau, it was designed in the late Baroque style of Vienna. The architects were likely Domenico d’Angeli from Italy and Antonio Beduzzi from Vienna. The complex is listed as a monument under the number D-2-62-000-486. It connects to the Old Residenz through the Saalbau, forming part of a larger ensemble.

The building’s exterior was enriched between 1765 and 1771 by Melchior Hefele, who added the façade decoration with two portals and a balustrade on the roof. The protruding balconies bear the dates 1770 and 1771. Inside, the staircase is especially notable for its stucco work by Johann Baptist Modler and a ceiling fresco by Johann Georg Unruhe from around 1768. The fresco depicts the gods of Olympus, and the stair railings feature putti carved by Joseph Bergler the Elder.

Today the Neue Residenz houses the Bishop’s Ordinariate, with an entrance to the Cathedral Treasury Museum. Visitors can walk through the staircase hall, where the art and craftsmanship of the 18th century remain visible. The building links the Old Residenz to the Domplatz area, completing the historic square.