Ansbach is a quiet Franconian town best known for its baroque Residenz, the former palace of the Margraves of Brandenburg-Ansbach. The palace's 27 state rooms are lavishly decorated and the Hofgarten behind it is one of the finest baroque garden ensembles in Bavaria.
The old town has a pleasant collection of half-timbered and baroque buildings around the Markgraf-Georg-Brunnen fountain. The twin churches of St. Gumbertus and St. Johannis anchor the historic centre. Ansbach is also associated with the mysterious Kaspar Hauser, who appeared in Nuremberg in 1828 claiming to have been raised in a dark cell, and who was later stabbed in the Hofgarten — a monument marks the spot.
The town sits on the Franconian cycling and hiking network and makes a peaceful base for exploring the region. The Rokoko-Festspiele in July fills the palace and gardens with music and costumed performances.