The Hofgarten — the court garden behind the Residenz — is one of the best-preserved baroque gardens in Bavaria. Laid out in the early 18th century, it consists of formal parterres flanked by clipped lime trees, with long axes and gravel walks in the French style. The orangery wing on the south side forms a handsome backdrop and is used for concerts during the summer Rokoko-Festspiele.
The garden is also the site of a historical drama. In December 1833, Kaspar Hauser — the mysterious "foundling" who had appeared in Nuremberg five years earlier claiming to have been raised in total isolation — was lured to the garden pavilion and stabbed by an unknown assailant. He died three days later, and the mystery of his identity was never resolved. A stone obelisk in the garden marks the spot. Entry to the Hofgarten is free.