The city of Landshut had been the seat of government of Lower Bavaria since 1839. During 800 years of exciting history, she was able to accumulate a collection of cultural values, the richness of which by far surpasses that of many other cities. Founded by Duke Ludwig I of Bavaria in 1204, the town remained the main seat of the House of Wittelsbach until 1255. Under the reign of the "Rich Dukes" Landshut witnessed its most glorious period from 1393 to 1503, when it was the seat of government of the dukedom of Bavaria-Landshut. In medieval times Landshut was famous for its arts and crafts: the craftsmen in charge of the building and maintenance of the big churches, the sculptors, bronze casters, harness formers and gold-smiths all contributed to its fame.
Made of brick, despite its height of 131 meters, the steeple of St. Martin`s church is unique in the world. Even until today it remains a landmark of those citizens who more than once rebelled against their dukes. The castle "Trausnitz" also remained one of the city landmarks until present times.
Visitors will become more and more aware that the "Altstadt" is the historical centre of the old Bavarian residence seat and that it is almost unique, regarding this naturally grown harmony, the elegant building line, ingeniously structured.
Even the Baroque era, which was very enthusiastic about their own style of building, paid reverence to the measurements set by the Gothic style. In these surroundings, the Residence building strikes one as an exception. According to the example of the Palaces in Northern Italy, Ludwig X had it built from 1536 - 1543, thus creating the first palace in Renaissance style north of the Alps. The classic composure of the building and the construction of the front leading to the inner yard, the "Länd", the archways, the aisles and the splendid banqueting-hall, all wear the spirit of the eternal ideal of Antiquity, demonstrating in stucco and paint themes of Greek and Roman Art and Science.
In about 1380, the citizens had begun to create the appearance of the town, representing themselves in an almost inimitable manner. In 1407, Hanns von Burghausen set out the building of the church of the Holy Spirit, at a time where the construction of his masterpiece, the St. Martin`s church had already made good progress. The tombstone and portrait of this artist who established the "building school" of Landshut, are to be seen on the southern side of the exterior wall of the church.
Since 1380, three patrician mansions in the middle of the "Altstadt" have successively been rebuilt to form the Town Hall as it still is today, in the second half of the previous century it was restored into New Gothic style. The large hall of state, decorated as its historic predecessor, was given its splendid representation of the Royal Wedding 1475 as a painting covering all four walls of the state room. It was this painting that initiated the re-commencement of the performance of the Royal Wedding. At the castle "Trausnitz" the round towers and the St. George`s chapel still show the Romanic style, whereas in the jester`s stairs with its very special architecture, some frescos show scenes from the Commedia dell`Arte that was very popular at the time.