The Residence of Ansbach originated as a medieval complex. The large Gothic Hall with its ribbed vault, in which the largest collection of faience and porcelain from the former Ansbach Manufactory is now on display, was built in the late 16th century. The medieval complex was redesigned as a modern residence between 1705 and 1730.

The Ansbach Residence is primarily famous for its outstanding interiors, most of which were designed by the architect Leopoldo Retti and completed between 1734 and 1745. It is no accident that the furnishings are so well preserved and stylistically consistent: in 1791 the last margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach abdicated and handed over his lands to the kingdom of Prussia. The palace was now no longer the seat of the ruler and there was seldom cause to modernize the state apartments.

The main floor of the Ansbach Residence consists of three suites of rooms which were used separately for official ceremonies: the Margrave’s Apartment, the Margavine’s Apartment and the Guest Apartment. Particular highlights of the palace are the ceiling fresco by Carlo Carlone in the Festival Hall, the art gallery with works of art from the rococo period and paintings from the former margravial gallery, and the collection of Meißen porcelain in the Mirror Cabinet.

A special rarity are the prepared margravial horses from the 18th century.

In the Court Garden opposite, which also features an orangery, is a splendid parterre with summer flowers and numerous tub plants, as well as a medicinal herb garden.