Mozart Cities - Members of the European Mozart Ways report on Mozart's stays

Kirchheimbolanden

Mozart's stay: 23.1. - 29.1.1778

W.A. Mozart came to Kirchheimbolanden on 23 January 1778 at the invitation of Princess Caroline of Nassau-Weilburg on the occasion of his 22nd birthday. He brought with him Aloysia, the love of his youth from Mannheim, and her father, Fridolin Weber. They were probably accommodated in the Alte Post, which was demolished in 1973. On 29 January 1778, the journey came to an end and the Mozarts returned to Mannheim via Worms.

In his letter of 4 February 1778, Mozart wrote about his experiences in Kirchheimbolanden, mentioning that he had played twelve times in the castle and once in St Paul's Church on the famous Stumm organ of 1745. Since 1943 it has been officially called the "Mozart Organ", which saved it from destruction during the war.

Since 1994 the palace, restored to its original U-shape, has served as a retirement home. Two original Baroque wrought-iron gates have been restored and reinstalled in their original positions. In his letter, Mozart talks about attending services at the Catholic church, known as the Church of Our Lady.

Photo / copyright: City of Kirchheimbolanden