Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the world’s most famous
castles. The castle seems to rise out of a rock in a wooded area in the state of Bavaria in
Germany.
With its many turrets and towers, Neuschwanstein resembles a fairy-tale
medieval castle. Neuschwanstein and other European castles inspired the design for the Sleeping
Beauty Castle at Disneyland at Anaheim, California.
Neuschwanstein Castle - dream of a king
Neuschwanstein Castle was the dream of King Ludwig II of
Bavaria. Ludwig was fascinated by the operas of the German composer Richard Wagner, with their
celebration of Germanic mythical gods and legendary heroes.
Ludwig planned the castle with architect Edward Riedel and the assistance of
Christian Jank, a theater designer. The structure reflects both Gothic and Romanesque elements
from the Middle Ages, the period from about A.D. 400 through the 1400’s.
Neuschwanstein is constructed of gray granite. Construction began in 1869
and ended in 1886, the year of the king’s death. The castle was never finished.
In his romantic vision of Neuschwanstein Castle, Ludwig was
strongly influenced by Wartburg Castle, a medieval fortress in Germany. Wartburg is
the setting for Wagner’s opera Tannhäuser (1845). Neuschwanstein’s elevated setting gives
visitors a panoramic view of the surrounding wilderness and helps make the castle one of
Germany’s most popular tourist attractions.
The interior of the castle reflects Ludwig’s passion for the Middle Ages.
Artists painted the walls of many rooms and vestibules with scenes from German myths and
legends. Marble, gilded paneling, and tapestries also decorate many of the rooms.
The Study features frescoes showing scenes from Tannhäuser. Ludwig’s bedroom
is dominated by a giant Gothic-style bed decorated with intricate carvings. The Throne Room,
which has no throne, resembles a church interior and includes a large mosaic floor and a
chandelier that resembles a huge crown. The Singers’ Hall has an elaborately decorated ceiling
and many impressive chandeliers and candelabra. The Salon is decorated with scenes from
Wagner’s opera Lohengrin.
However, Ludwig II was only to live in his castle for 172 days. At his death
in 1886, the "new fortress" was not yet complete. The keep had been started on but was left
unfinished; the "ladies' quarters" on the southern side of the upper courtyard were completed
in simple form by 1891.
Neuschwanstein Castle Visitor information:
Today, Neuschwanstein is among the most visited castles and
fortresses in Europe. 1.3 million people a year look through the "fairytale king's castle",
which inspired Walt Disney's "Cinderella's Castle" in Disneyland.
And in fact Schloss Neuschwanstein, nestled in one of the
most beautiful landscapes of the eastern Allgaeu region, creates such a fairytale-like
impression on the approaching observer that it could be from another world.
For more information about Neuschwanstein Castle
Tours and Interesting Facts visit NeuschwansteinCastle.net
Neuschwanstein
Castle Map
Neuschwanstein Castle is located
at about 3 km away Fussen, Bavaria,
Germany.
See
bellow the address and a map to
help you with directions: Neuschwansteinstraße 5, 87645 Schwangau, Germany
View Larger Map
|