For centuries, Kirchheim Palace, located along the northern ridge of the Swabian Alb, was home to Württemberg's dowager duchesses. It was originally part of a giant military installation, and is one of the best-preserved strongholds in the duchy.
Duke Ulrich von Württemberg had seven strongholds built in the 16th century, forming a wide circle around his residential city, Stuttgart. The town of Kirchheim unter Teck was expanded into a defensive stronghold, including moats, bastions, ramparts and casemates. The many-winged Renaissance palace formed the southwest corner of the 3.6 km complex.
Room to room, like a string of pearls.
Many military changes occurred following the Thirty Years' War and the stronghold lost its importance. Palace architectural styles and decor were also undergoing changes. Kirchheim Palace would now act as lodgings for the dukes' hunting expeditions or during their health retreats in Bad Boll. Despite modifications, the simple structure with its massive basement floor and deep ditches still shows signs of its original use as a military stronghold.
Kirchheim unter Teck, by Andreas Kieser, 1683.
Duchess Henriette's garden room.
The palace's second life began as a dower house for Württemberg's dowager duchesses. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, six dowager duchesses lived in Kirchheim. Some led rather secluded lives, such as Franziska von Hohenheim. Others are remembered for their philanthropy, such as Henriette von Württemberg, who was active in social outreach. She also converted the palace rooms into a lavishly furnished residence, very much in the style of the mid-19th century.
Duchess Henriette's bedroom, watercolor, circa 1850.
Many teachers know Kirchheim Palace. They have attended the learning center here, which now takes up most of the palace. For a time, however, the palace also housed a school and a local history museum. On the third floor, palace rooms invite visitors to explore the charming past.
