Palais Zocha

The Palais Zocha stands in Gunzenhausen, a small town in the Mittelfranken region of Bavaria. Built in 1706 by the master builder Johann Wilhelm von Zocha, it is a three-storeyed baroque mansion with a hipped roof. The building sits at the junction of Rathausstraße and Brunnenstraße, surrounded by other protected historic structures. Its rusticated ground floor and pilaster strips give it a solid, dignified appearance. A notable feature is the preserved historic staircase inside. The building has served different purposes through the centuries. In 1746 the principality of Ansbach bought it as a diplomatic residence. From 1816 it became the town hall of Gunzenhausen, until the city administration moved out in 1974. Since 1984 the former palace has housed the town museum. Outside, the cast-iron Neptune fountain of 1876 adds a decorative touch to the square. Visitors find a carefully restored baroque interior with period fittings. The museum displays local history in several rooms on the upper floors. Outside, the ensemble of Rathausstraße shows more listed buildings nearby. The square in front offers a quiet spot to admire the palace and the fountain.