Schloss Augustusburg, Bruhl near Cologne: the monumental staircase

NOTES: Construction on this horseshoe-shaped castle for Elector Clemens August of Bavaria began in 1725 under the supervision of the architect Johann Conrad Schlaun. He was soon dismissed and replaced by Francois de Cuvillies who transformed the Rococo castle into a Baroque residence. It was finally completed in 1769. The staircase was designed by Balthasar Neumann in 1748 while the frescoes adorning it were executed by Carlo Carlone.