Quote: The Renaissance Era Residenz Palace in Neuburg, Germany is one of the most beautiful palaces in Germany with its simple, clean lines and arches and its very informative museum.

The history of Neuburg dates from prehistoric times, but the castle was built during the Renaissance during Neuburg's heyday in the early 15th Century when Neuburg was part of the Pfalz-Neuburg principality.

My friend Nicki and I enjoyed a cloudy September afternoon touring the Residenz Palace and its Museum of Prehistory and History.

The Residenz Palace's courtyard is not to be missed with its Renaissance arches and balconies overlooking it. There is also a mural on one of the walls depicting the history of the Renaissance in the Pfalz-Neuburg Principality that is breathtaking. There are also some whimsical gargoyle statues dressed in the clothing of the Renaissance in the courtyard that Nicki and I couldn't resist having our photos taken in between them. I loved it when Nicki and I entered a little alcove outside the courtyard and saw this awesome stag statue in a sea of bright lapis blue tiles. The stag is part of the Pfalz-Neuburg crest as it is in many crests of European royalty.

The terraces outside the courtyard have spectacular views of the exterior architecture of the Residenz Palace along with views of the Donau River and the city of Neuburg, which has not lost its old world charm and ambiance.

The museum takes up the entire Palace. I enjoyed walking through the 4 floors of the Palace Museum with Nicki and learning about the prehistoric, ancient, and Renaissance history of Neuburg and the Pfalz-Neuburg principality.

The museum and Residenz palace is open daily, but there are no English brochures and guides. So, I had to go by my little knowledge of German, which I noticed I understood and read more than I can speak it.

I highly recommend the Residenz Palace in Neuburg and other small town castles in Germany because they are not as crowded as many big city sights throughout Germany, and I feel that I learn more about the history of Germany and its principalities that way.

From journals Small Town Germany