Built in 1767, Dower Palace (Wittumspalais) - also known as the Widow's Palace - was the home of the Dowager Duchess Anna Amalia, a leading German aristocrat and an avid patron of the arts.

 During Goethe's time, the palace was the epicenter of social and literary activity in the city. Now a museum, this splendid Baroque two-winged palace features fine décor, period furniture, and portraits and busts of the Ducal family and courtesans, as well as portraits of Goethe and Schiller in the Poet's Room. 

Also of interest is the Round Table Room, where guests like Goethe were entertained... and did the entertaining.