The town of Meersburg owes its Baroque silhouette to the Prince Bishops of Konstanz. They built magnificent palace complexes with the participation of the Baroque architect Balthasar Neumann, who was already famous by that time. Small narrow streets wind there way around these representative buildings and open out onto beautiful squares. The marvelous observation terraces of the New Palace (Neues Schloss) and of the castle provide the most beautiful views of the lake and – when the weather is clear – of the impressive mountain chains of the Alps from above.
The striking view of Meersburg Castle makes it a symbol for the region. As it was built in the 7th century, it is considered to be Germany's oldest residential castle, however today no building stock from that time can be recognized.
From 1841 to 1848 Annette of Droste-Hülshoff lived at Meersburg Castle during her stays at Lake Constance. She also died at the castle on 24 May 1848. Her residential rooms and the room she died in are part of the tour.
In addition to Meersburg Castle, the Old Palace (Altes Schloss), a representative "New Building" was built beginning in 1710. As the residence of the Prince Bishops, it was primarily used for the claims to representation of the Baroque sovereigns. And the splendid rooms and exposed location of the New Palace are still impressive today.