The Countesses’ Room

The Countesses’ room with its historical bridal bed and extensive pottery collection is just one of the many living rooms in Eltz castle. It was in these small rooms that daily life took place rather than in the larger halls of the castle. This is mainly on account of the fact that they were much easier to heat in winter and therefore much more comfortable. Of special notice are the practical features: the plastered ceiling was mainly a fire prevention measure and the whitewash ensured that what little light there was, was more effective. The room’s name is based on the many portraits found here; they show the Eltz family children from the 18th century.

Bridal bed

This originally preserved painted 1520’s bridal bed is from the Würzburg area and is the oldest painted Renaissance bed in Germany. It was produced in the "Grisaille-painting" style - a technique using different tones of grey. Its large size makes it especially unusual (2.05m x 1.45m); at this time much shorter beds were frequently favoured (box beds).

Pottery collection

This extensive pottery collection stretching from the 16th to the 19th century can be found in the display cabinet in the Countesses’ room. The exceptional tankards, jugs and other vessels are from the 16th to the 18th century. The collection exhibits are all from important centres of the commercial pottery industry, for example the Westerwald, Siegburg, Frechen, Raeren, Creussen and Delft.

The articles shown here are just a few of the objects of interest waiting for you in the Countesses’ room. We look forward to you visit.