Neuschwanstein Castle

1. Construction period: 1869 - 1886
2. Location: Alps, Bavaria state, Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle, located on a rugged cliff rising from the forest of the Bavarian Alps, is one of the most familiar lyrical images in the world. What makes this castle different from most castles and other palaces is the construction of not showing off authority or wealth, but the residence of owner Ludwig II and a few entourage.

Neuschwanstein Castle rises high from the steep cliff, the perfect combination of architectural elements between classical and Gothic with lyrical stage design
(Photo: ulrikasheim)

Ludwig's father Maximilian II built the nearby Hohenschwangau castle in 1837 to make summer residence. Gothic-style, because at the beginning of the 19th century style was somewhat chosen according to the sample history book. Here Ludwig grew up, and also here in the music room, he was first introduced to composer Richard Wagner, with operas that made an unforgettable impression in the young prince.

At the end of the stairs of the northern tower, the dragon statue crouched to welcome those who reached the top of the tower.Designed by successor Riedel - Julius Hofmann, this stage is one of the last parts of the completed castle in 1884.

Ludwig became king when he was 18 years old without formal education, quickly found himself in disagreement with government ministers. When he realized that he had no penchant or talent in political activities, he increasingly moved away from the daily reality to shun himself in the mythical and mythical world.

At that time, the castle construction site was littered with rubble of the previous castle and in a letter to Wagner dated in 1868, Ludwig wrote: "I plan to build a real style castle. of ancient German knights on the ruins of the old castle . here the Holy Spirit will visit and live with us on a steep, airy peak with a gentle breeze of heaven . " The castle became a residence where many of Wagner's musical heroes not only debuted in the show but were always present as typical characters.

Design and style

The original Neuschwanstein castle sketch of Christian Jank stage designer in the Oper House Theater in 1868 was also adequate. Later these sketches were turned into feasible architectural drawings by Edouard Riedel next year. The location also creates significant problems, because the existing road surface is 200m higher than on the dry, rough soil. Finally, they discovered a stream and pumped water to the castle to this day. Riedel took over the job until 1872, then another two architects until the king was finished, although the other parts were still unfinished.

The style is the architectural school between classical and Gothic in the 13th century , although it is understood arbitrarily. Some characteristics from existing buildings, but generally a unique component, the unusually massive high tower of the castle with conical roofs makes an unforgettable impression interspersed with trees and mountains in the distance. . Surprisingly, at night, the king will go up to the bridge at the north side to enjoy the scene of the castle lit by hanging wreaths and countless candlelight like in fairy tales.

Outside the castle is also impressed by the layout of various elements and massive stone walls are softened with very small decorative details. So visitors are completely unaware of the richness and complexity of interior decorations - it is difficult to recognize any surface without some decorative shapes and applications. Ludwig's bedroom was magnificent, an effect achieved by using Gothic style, with A.Spiess carved and framed oak panels illustrating the legend of Tristan and Isolde. Living room for mythical stories Lohengrin, Goose Knight (Neuschwanstein means " new rock goose ") described by Hauschild on embroidered carpets.

The Throne Room , based on Ludwig's decision to Hagia Sophia, was designed by Edouard, originally considered to be the Holy Grail Chamber of Parsner's Parsifal. (Photo: puzzlehouse)

The two largest rooms in the castle are the Throne Room and the Singer Room . The Throne Room has surrounded by elaborate Byzantine arches, regrettably for the throne, set in the focal point of the room not constructed. The room of the Singer simulated by the original Wartburg, has a raised ceiling with many panels filled with zodiac motifs. These rooms help Ludwig stay away from historical roles such as Lohengrin, among the surrounding landscape in which "imagination is the model to create reality" - Walt Disney then shows the castle image from the view. North made the symbol of Disneyland.

Actual data:

1. Area: 5,935 m ²
2. Height: 965 m
3. Number of complete rooms (out of 228 rooms in the project): 15
4. Cost (at Ludwig's loss): 6.180.047 mark

Unfortunately, Ludwig's story is not happy. In 1880, it was estimated that the annual cost of about 900,000 marks completed the castle in 1893. At this time Ludwig began to build two more castles, the need to build 3 long-term at the same time exceeded the capacity His economy, because he had to pay for construction from a treasure allowance for a king, not from public funds . Perhaps it is for this reason that domestic subjects often see him as a cute eccentric, but his government increasingly disagrees with his apparent delusional act, they set up a committee of psychiatrists (in fact, never examined Ludwig) declared that the king was mentally ill, to appoint his 60-year-old brother as Regent.

The Singer Room is inspired by the original in Wartburg, which in turn inspires Wagner's Tannhausor (Photo: rainfall)

Ludwig was deeply distressed, eventually accepted to abdicate, and was expelled from Neuschwanstein Castle. Three days later, on June 13, 1886, the king was found drowned with his physician in Lake Starnberg. Contrary to the king's wishes, the castle opened to visitors for three weeks after his death, creating an eternal irony for Ludwig - the most private king in history that turned Germany into The place attracts the most visitors.