Brühl, about 15km south of Cologne, is home to the magnificent Augustusburg Castle, a must for admirers of the Baroque architectural era. Appointed by Clemens August von Wittelsbach, Elector and Archbishop of Cologne, three of the period's best architects worked on this elegant residence.

Today, the Castle Garden, modelled on the Palace of Versailles, is especially popular with those who want to relax and enjoy nature. Guests can have a coffee on the Castle's terrace with a nice view over the sculptures and fountains of the park complex or perhaps take a walk to the smaller Falkenlust Castle nearby, originally built as a hunting lodge. In 1984, the Castles of Falkenlust and Augustusburg were inscribed together in the UNESCO Cultural World Heritage list as examples of beautifully preserved Rococo architecture.

The interior of the Augustusburg Castle incorporates every decorative and architectural element of the Baroque era. The most impressive characteristic is the ceremonial staircase built by the architect Balthasar Neumann. It is a creation of stucco, sculpture and faux marble, with a multicoloured ceiling fresco by Carlo Carlone.