Haus zum Falken: Würzburg's Rococo Masterpiece

A Stunning Rococo Masterpiece

The Haus zum Falken, also known as the Falkenhaus, stands prominently on the market square in Würzburg, directly adjacent to the Marienkapelle. The building is most famous for its highly detailed, three-gabled Rococo facade, considered one of the most beautiful in Southern Germany. This ornate exterior was commissioned in 1751 by Barbara Meißner, the widow of innkeeper Franz Thomas Meißner, who had acquired the property in 1735. To execute the intricate stucco work, she hired skilled itinerant artists from Upper Bavaria.

From Ecclesiastical Roots to Cultural Hub

Long before it acquired its famous facade, the site had a strong ecclesiastical connection. From 1338 to 1406, a predecessor building served as the residence for the local cathedral priest. By the early 17th century, the basic structure of the current three-story building took shape. It functioned as a guesthouse known as the "Hof zur Burgpfarre" by 1629. Over time, the Haus zum Falken evolved into a vital center for Würzburg's social life. Until the early 19th century, it operated as the city's sole public venue for concerts and dances.

Destruction and Photographic Reconstruction

The city of Würzburg purchased the property in 1939 for 145,000 Reichsmark. Merely six years later, during the Allied bombing raid on March 16, 1945, the building suffered catastrophic damage. The Haus zum Falken was completely burned out, and portions of its legendary facade collapsed. Despite the devastation, Würzburg government architect Rudolf Schlick strongly advocated for its preservation in 1947. In the early 1950s, the municipal building authority undertook a painstaking reconstruction. Because no original architectural plans for the facade survived, the intricate Rococo details were recreated entirely using old photographs.

A Modern Civic Center

While the exterior was meticulously restored to its 18th-century glory by 1952, the interior was entirely redesigned to serve contemporary civic functions. Today, the Haus zum Falken houses the Würzburg Tourist Information center and the central city library. The building remains a focal point on the Marktplatz, where locals access library services, gather local information, and purchase tickets for theater and cultural events.