CHRISTIAN IV, DUKE OF PFALZ-ZWEIBRÜCKEN

A large, attractively laid-out room with three segmented arched windows give the space an authentic Baroque feel. The style of the furnishings hearken back to elements from the age of Christian the IV. One cabinet and one chest of drawers are original 18th century pieces. And we believe that the built-in secretary desk, an original piece from the house, may well inspire a bout of quill letter writing. Here history is alive and well. The line of "Meisenheimer Wittelsbachs" was founded by Stefan I, Duke of Pfalz-Zweibrücken, who ruled Meisenheim and is buried in the local castle church. His descendants include not just all of the Bavarian kings, but also Swedish kings Charles X, Charles XI and Charles XII. In the 18th century, Christian IV was one successor who shaped the duchy. He ascended to power in 1740, at just 18 years of age after having spent a year living at the French court. He showed tremendous interest in painting, music, literature and architecture and is remembered as a significant patron of the arts and trades. In Meisenheim, his reign led to infrastructural improvements and numerous construction projects in the signature style of his agricultural director, Philipp Heinrich Hellermann of Meisenheim. This also includes the Meisenheimer Hof, whose elegant rococo facade and hipped roof are constructed in his style. Under Christian IV the Keddarterhof estate was established as a model of agriculture in Pfalz-Zweibrücken. The Glan cattle breed was first established here in 1773. We are proud to carry on the tradition by offering numerous Glan beef dishes in our restaurant. Christian IV died in 1775 at Schloss Pettersheim.