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Origin and history

The governor's palace, originally named das General-Kommando, was built between 1902 and 1905 in Metz as a residence for Emperor William II during his stay. Designed by Berlin architect Ferdinand Schönhals and supervised by Max Stolterforth, it symbolically replaces the old French citadel of 1552. Its neo-Rhenish Renaissance style, inspired by German castles, incorporates Gothic elements and Renaissance references, with 31 main rooms and 70 additional spaces.

The palace was inaugurated in January 1905 for General Stoetzer, commander of the 16th German Army Corps. After World War I, he became the residence of the French military governor, with changes such as the replacement of the imperial stained glass windows in 1925. During World War II, he became a German Kommandantur, his undergrounds serving as shelter and command post during the Battle of Metz.

Today, the palace houses the General Staff of the North-East Military Region and preserves historical remains, such as the Roman ramparts and underground rooms of the tower of Hell, former medieval fortification. Ranked a historic monument in 1975, it was restored between 1994 and 1995. Its architecture and history reflect the political transitions between German and French empires.

The site, located square Giraud, remains linked to the imperial district of Metz, marked by Prussian urban planning. The 1902 excavations revealed Roman monuments, highlighting the historic stratification of the site. The palace thus illustrates the military and architectural heritage of Metz, between medieval heritage, German occupation and French sovereignty.

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