Residenz

Residenz is a formal but otherwise obsolete German word for "place of living". It is in particular used to denote the building or town where a sovereign ruler resided, therefore also carrying a similar meaning as the modern expressions seat of government or capital. As there were many sovereign (imperially immediate) rulers in the Holy Roman Empire, ranking from Lord (Herr) to prince elector and king, there are many towns, palaces, and castles in this territory which used to be a Residenz and are partially still so referred to today. The former residenz status of a town is frequently reflected by the architecture of its center. During the baroque period especially, many prestigious buildings were erected, sometimes even new towns were founded. Today former residenz towns mostly still serve as cultural and administrative centers.