Hunting palace and summer residence with glorious views
Solitude Palace

Exciting stories: extravagant and rebelliousFigures

No expense was too great, no fee too high—the artists who worked on Duke Carl Eugen's magnificent palace came from France or Italy. But not everyone approved of his extravagant lifestyle. At least one rebelled: Friedrich Schiller.

Philippe de La Guepiere Projets d architecture

It had to be a Frenchman

For the construction of his magnificent palaces, Duke Carl Eugen hired a French architect—one with flair.

Philippe de La Guêpière
Portrait of Nicolas Guibal (1725-1784) circa 1750.

A painter jack of all trades

Duke Carl Eugen was fond of the French Classic style and employed Guibal in many fields at court.

Nicolas Guibal
Portrait of Duke Carl Eugen von Württemberg

Passionate builder

The young Duke Carl Eugen built one magnificent palace after another, as if possessed. It was not until old age that he became more moderate.

Carl Eugen von Württemberg
Miniature portrait of Friedrich Schiller, 1812.

Youth of a prince among poets

Friedrich Schiller studied at Solitude. Yet his deep yearning for freedom strained his relationship with the duke.

Friedrich Schiller