Historical sites in Passau

Historical Heritage of Passau

Passau’s architectural landscape reflects its long history as a powerful Prince-Bishopric. This selection features the 13th-century Veste Oberhaus fortress and the late Baroque Neue Residenz, showcasing the evolution of ecclesiastical power. The list also includes medieval defensive structures like the Severinstor and Veste Niederhaus, situated at the confluence of the Ilz and Danube. From the Gothic-era Altes Rathaus to the unique mosaic-clad Glasscherbenvilla, these landmarks represent the city's transition from a fortified stronghold to an elegant Baroque center.

Historical Heritage of Passau — Map

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A

Veste Oberhaus

Veste Oberhaus is a fortress that was founded in 1219 and, for most of its time, was the stronghold of the Bishop of Passau, Germany.

Konrad Lackerbeck / CC BY-SA 2.5

B

Neue Residenz

Built between 1712 and 1730 in the Viennese late Baroque style, this palace served as the seat of Passau’s Prince-Bishops. It features a grand ceremonial staircase and houses the Cathedral Treasury Museum.

Aconcagua / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Alte Residenz

Located opposite the cathedral, this former bishop's palace dates back to the Middle Ages, with substantial renovations in the Renaissance and Baroque eras. It now serves as the district court.

Aconcagua / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Altes Rathaus

A complex of buildings dating to the 14th century, featuring a Gothic tower and a facade decorated with murals. The Great Council Hall contains large-scale paintings depicting scenes from the Nibelungenlied.

Aconcagua / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Veste Niederhaus

A medieval castle situated at the tip of the rocky peninsula where the Ilz and Danube rivers meet. Originally connected to Veste Oberhaus, it served as a defensive outpost and later as a prison.

Thomas Ledl / CC BY-SA 4.0

F

Broken Glass Villa

Also known as the Ostuzzi Villa, this unique residence is decorated with colorful glass shards and mosaics. Built in 1902, it represents a distinct and eccentric example of local architectural design.

Konrad Lackerbeck / CC BY-SA 2.5

G

Burgruine Hals

Remnants of a 12th-century castle located on a narrow ridge above the Ilz River. The ruins include the keep and sections of the curtain wall, offering views over the surrounding nature reserve.

Aconcagua / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Scharfrichterhaus

The Scharfrichterhaus in Passau, Germany, is designated as a national historical treasure and was built circa 1200.

Konrad Lackerbeck / CC BY-SA 2.5

I

Severinstor

A historic city gate, also known as the Peichtertor, that formed part of Passau’s medieval fortifications. It provided access to the city from the south and is located near the St. Severin cemetery.

Konrad Lackerbeck / CC BY-SA 2.5

J

Schloss Freudenhain

A Neoclassical palace built in 1785–1792 by Prince-Bishop Joseph Franz Anton von Auersperg. Set within a large park on the Danube's northern bank, it now houses a secondary school.

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