Grabkapelle Rotenberg

About the museum

The burial chapel on the Württemberg was built for Katharina Pavlovna, a daughter of the Russian tsar, who in 1816 married the later King Wilhelm I of Württemberg. Her sudden death only three years later shook the country. Wilhelm had the castle that had stood on the site since the 11th century, the ancestral seat of the Württembergers, demolished and a monument built in memory of his wife. After a competition, court architect Giovanni Salucci received the commission; his neoclassical domed building recalls the Roman Pantheon.

The king limited burial rights to Katharina, himself and their daughters Marie and Sophie. Below the chapel, Salucci built the priest's house and the psalmist's house. A Russian Orthodox clergyman and two singers lived there, who were to pray and sing daily for the queen's soul. In 1907 the Rotenberg was renamed in honor of the House of Württemberg; a Russian Orthodox memorial service still takes place today.

Today the Staatliche Schlösser und Gärten Baden-Württemberg (State Palaces and Gardens of Baden-Württemberg) look after the site. The priest's house has served as a visitor center since 2017; the chapel with its crypt can be visited as a monument, and the hill is one of Stuttgart's popular excursion destinations.

Highlights

• Neoclassical dome designed by Giovanni Salucci
• Crypt with the sarcophagi of the royal couple and multiple echo
• Panoramic view over Stuttgart and the Neckar valley
• Visitor center in the priest's house with a tactile model of the hill
• Experience tour in the app "Monument BW" (German and English)
• Children's booklet with Church Mouse Amalie

Permanent exhibition

• Besucherzentrum im Priesterhaus – Information on the history of the chapel and the site, an information film in sign language and a tactile model of the hill.

Operated by

Staatliche Schlösser und Gärten Baden-Württemberg

Admission & discounts

The outdoor grounds are freely accessible. The Schlosscard is valid; StuttCard holders enter free, the Landesfamilienpass (state family pass) is accepted, and the Ehrenamtskarte (volunteer card) gives 10% off. Tickets are available in the priest's house below the chapel.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description: no information

The burial chapel can only be reached via about 30 steps, and another 30 steps lead to the crypt; there is no ramp or step-free entrance. The priest's house (visitor center with a toilet) is accessible via a ramp; audio guides are available to borrow there, along with an information film in German Sign Language. A tactile model stands next to the priest's house, and guided tours for blind and visually impaired guests are possible on request. Information in Easy Language is available on the website.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Kids’ birthday parties

There is a classic family tour (on Sundays and public holidays) and tours for school classes from grades 3 to 11. The children's booklet with Church Mouse Amalie leads through the chapel with puzzles and craft ideas. Children's birthday parties (ages 5 to 10, 45 minutes, €90 per group) can be booked from March to November 1.

Getting there & parking

Arrival by public transport is recommended. Address for navigation: Württembergstraße 340, 70327 Stuttgart.

Amenities & dining

Toilet in the priest's house (during opening hours). Nearby is the 1819 Bistro am Wirtemberg (Württembergstraße 340A).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

Evangelical and non-denominational weddings in the chapel room, civil weddings in the priest's house; also children's birthday parties, wedding photos and marriage proposals.

Plan your visit