Tours of the Thurn und Taxis museum are available daily every 90 minutes. Visitors have an opportunity to view historical state rooms and learn how the family, a key player in the postal services of Europe for many centuries, affected the way information was spread. (Michael Slavin/Stars and Stripes)
In the heart of Regensburg lies the elegant palace of the Thurn und Taxis family, and unlike many others in Germany, St. Emmeram Palace is still inhabited.
Not only does this former monastery-turned-palace showcase a beautiful array of state rooms, ballrooms and more, it also comes with a small history lesson.
Many glimpses remain of the origin of the Thurn and Taxis palace, which long served as a monastery. (Michael Slavin/Stars and Stripes)
The family had an uncommon rise to nobility during the 13th century. The Thurn und Taxis — loosely translated as tower and badger in English — used the postal service as the source of its wealth and prestige.
Omodeo de Tassis, the patriarch of the family, was credited with creating one of the first modern postal systems. His system allowed the mail to move along quicker from post to post until it was delivered.
The courtyard of St. Emmeram Palace was once used for royal ceremonies and now hosts Christmas markets and concerts. The Thurn and Taxis Palace Festival in July sees more than 30,000 visitors every year. (Michael Slavin/Stars and Stripes)
St. Emmeram Palace is the largest estate in Regensburg and consists of several buildings near the city center, a large courtyard and surrounding parks. The courtyard holds a romantic Christmas market from Nov. 24 to Dec. 23. (Michael Slavin/Stars and Stripes)
The idea brought the family great wealth and an appointment into nobility by Emperor Maximillian I of the Holy Roman Empire.
While the postal business has evolved over the years, the family acquired several other companies and still retains its name on a beer it sold to the Paulaner brewery about 30 years ago. The family remains in Regensburg as one of Germany’s largest private land owners and wealthiest, according to the state room tour guide.
The grand estate, including space solely reserved for the family, totals around 1,000 rooms, a portion of which is open to the public.
The throne room in the St. Emmeram Palace was more of a formality in the converted monastery. The throne was mobile, often being placed in the town square while the family would hear the concerns of the people. (Michael Slavin/Stars and Stripes)
Tickets for both the state rooms and the stables can be purchased online. The state rooms require a tour guide. That tour takes around 90 minutes and is lead by a German speaking guide. There are also English audio guides available for the tour, free of charge upon request in the gift shop.
The tour goes through the palace, telling not only the history of the building but those who inhabited it. Filled with period decorations and furnishings, these rooms are a portal to the past.
The stables at the Thurn and Taxis museum showcase a collection of carriages and sleighs the family owned over the years. Visitors can view the stables and treasury without a guide. (Michael Slavin/Stars and Stripes)
Visitors are also encouraged to check out the stables and the treasury, where much of the family’s signs of wealth are on display.
Note that photography is not permitted throughout most of the building. Your cool Instagram picture will have to wait until you are outside.
Several events, including Christmas markets and concerts, are held throughout the year on the palace grounds as well.
St. Emmeram Palace
Address: Emmeramspl. 5, 93047 Regensburg, Germany
Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Prices: Stable and treasury admission 4.50 euros; state room tour 16 euros.
Information: Online: thurnundtaxis.com
