GERENGFRA
Coat of arms and logo for Baden-Württemberg State Palaces and GardensCoat of arms and logo for Baden-Württemberg State Palaces and Gardens
Kirchheim Palace
A fortress and widow's residence

THE WIDOWS OF WÜRTTEMBERG'S DUKESFIGURES

The duchesses were primarily responsible for producing an heir to the throne. As widows, they would often be quite reclusive. After all, the wife of the ruling duke always had an active role in courtly ceremonies. A dower house was provided for in the wedding contract. Often, it was Kirchheim.

Portrait of Duchess Johanna Elisabeth, née Baden-Durlach.

Out of sight, out of mind

Even during her marriage, Johanna Elisabeth was kept at a distance. As a widow, she was required to live far away from the residence.

Johanna von Württemberg
Portrait of Duchess Franziska von Hohenheim, now hanging in Kirchheim Palace.

Mistesse and chaste wife

Really? Yes, Franziska von Hohenheim was just that! She became close to the duke at Kirchheim and later lived there as his widow.

Franziska von Hohenheim
Duchess Henriette von Württemberg, copper engraving circa 1830.

A blessing and a curse

Banished to Kirchheim by the king, Duchess Henriette made the best of her fate. The benefactress was a blessing for the town.

Henriette von Württemberg