Princess Juliane of Coburg: From the Court in Coburg to Bern
The life of Princess Juliane of Coburg, also known as Juliane of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, links a German principality with the Russian imperial court and the Swiss city of Bern. How did a Coburg princess become a grand duchess in Saint Petersburg, and why did she spend her last years in Switzerland? This article traces the main stages of her life, drawing on the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland and the Deutsche Biographie.
A Coburg Princess with a New Name
Juliane was born in Coburg on September 23, 1781, a princess of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld. She grew up in a German princely house, and her later path took her far from her homeland.
In February 1796 she converted to the Orthodox Church and received the name Anna Feodorovna. On February 26, 1796, she married Grand Duke Konstantin Pavlovich, the brother of the later Tsar Alexander I. That made Juliane a grand duchess at the tsar's court.
An Unhappy Marriage and the Road to Bern
The marriage proved unhappy. The grand duchess left Saint Petersburg and, according to the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland, settled in Bern in 1813. Since this article relies on that dictionary, it gives no differing dates for her departure from Russia.
The marriage was dissolved in 1820.
Elfenau: A Country Estate near Bern
Her name is linked above all with the Elfenau, a country estate near Bern. It was bought in 1814, a year after Juliane arrived in the city. Today the place serves a different purpose: since 1918 the Elfenau has belonged to the city of Bern and is a park.
For history lovers, the Elfenau offers a vivid way into Juliane's story. It still reminds visitors that the former grand duchess lived in Bern, and as a park it is open to the public.
The Last Years
Juliane died in Bern in August 1860. The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland gives the exact date as August 15. She was 78 years old. Because the sources differ on some dates and details, this article keeps to statements confirmed in the two works named.
Summary
The life of Princess Juliane of Coburg led from her birth in Coburg through her conversion to the Orthodox faith and her marriage to Konstantin Pavlovich to her settling in Bern. The lasting reminder of that journey is the Elfenau, now a city park. More details can be found in the articles of the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland and the Deutsche Biographie.