Old Residence, Passau

The Old Residence is a historic building of notable significance situated in the old town of Passau, located directly opposite the grand cathedral. This edifice is a tangible testament to the city's layered history, with architectural elements from the 15th to 17th centuries defining its fundamental structure. However, the residence has a much longer history, with the oldest surviving part of the building being a Romanesque door jamb dating back to the year 1180.

Ownership of the Old Residence by the prince-bishops was first recorded in 1188, marking its initial use as the bishop's palace. Subsequent extensions and modifications to the building throughout the latter half of the 16th century were conducted by renowned architects Leonard Uttner and Christoforo Canevale, each leaving their unique marks on this historical landmark.

The Zengerhof, an integral part of the Old Residence, now serves as the regional court. This section of the building is situated along Zengergasse, showcasing stunning stucco ceilings from the 17th and early 18th centuries. These ceilings were crafted by the esteemed artists from the Carlone school in 1685 and Giovanni Battista d'Allio in 1720, providing a grand aesthetic appeal to these spaces.

The Old Residence also houses a court chapel towards the east. The chapel, which was secularized in 1803, features a magnificent portal created by Balthasar Vecchio in 1693. Now repurposed as a courtroom for the district court, this chapel room continues to inspire awe with its historic architectural elements.

The second floor of the building features a collection of five representative rooms from the 18th century. Other significant rooms include the upper court chapel, the Indian trellis room, and the audience hall, each steeped in rich historical ambiance. The Old Residence is linked to the New Residence via a transitional structure known as the hall building.