Construction of Biebrich was begun by Count, later Prince, Georg August Samuel of Nassau-Idstein and the palace was completed in 1702. After his death, the palace passed to the Nassau-Usingen line and eventually into the hands of William, Duke of Nassau, whose son would become the first Grand Duke of Luxembourg.
Louise of Saxe-Hildburghausen, William’s first wife, died at Biebrich Palace shortly after the birth of their daughter Marie. Several of their other children were also born in Biebrich. William remarried to Pauline of Württemberg. Their daughter, Sofia, later Queen of Sweden, was born in the Palace. Willia’s son from his first marriage succeeded him in 1839. His first wife was Grand Duchess Elizabeth Mikhailovna of Russia, who tragically died in childbirth with their first child. He built the St. Elizabeth’s Church to house her tomb. He remarried to Princess Adelheid-Marie of Anhalt-Dessau and they took up residence in Biebrich. Their successor William and their daughter Hilda, later Grand Duchess of Baden, were born there. Three children who died in childhood were also born there.
Charlotte, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg sold to the Palace to the State of Prussia in 1935. It was heavily damaged during the Second World War but it was renovated and reconstructed. It is now used by the government and it is not open to the public. You can, however, view it from all sides and walk in the Palace gardens.
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