Donaueschingen Castle

Surrounded by a vast park, Donaueschingen Castle is situated close to the spring of the Donau. Even though its history goes back into the 16th century, it received its current form during intensive renovations and remodels between 1892 and 1896. It is still the residence of the royal Fürstenberg family. Its magnificent rooms and halls can be toured during a guided tour.

Additionally in 1763, the Mozart family paid a twelve-day visit here. The ten-year-old Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed a cello piece for Prince Joseph Wenzel zu Fürstenberg and received 24 gold ducats in return. Later, the operas "Die Entführung aus dem Serail" and "Die Hochzeit des Figaro" were premiered in Germany at this location. It was also the venue for the first performances of pieces by Béla Bartók, Paul Hindemith, Anton von Webern, and Richard Strauss. In 1921, the first "chamber music performances to promote contemporary music" took place in this very hall, eventually leading to the renowned Donaueschingen Music Days.