The Hermitage at Bayreuth

The Hermitage, is surely one of the most enchanting palace complexes anywhere in the world. In 1715, Margrave Georg Wilhelm started building the Old Castle to serve as the centre of a courtly Hermitage. Court society went into reclusion there - partly in fun and partly with serious intent. Two decades later, Margravine Wilhelmine, the sister of Frederick the Great, had the castle extended to create an unusual summer residence and also had several impressive park buildings erected.