Neuschwanstein Castle (Germany), built in the Neo-Gothic style, is located near the Austrian border. In 1869, the construction of Ludwig II began, but this process was completed only in 1883. The construction was long, lasted about 17 years, but unfortunately, the castle was not completed until the end. Now he has acquired the status of a museum, which is visited daily by a huge number of people.
Neuschwanstein Castle is located on the site of two fortresses. The construction of this magnificent structure began after the road to it. At first, all paths were prepared, and only then the first stone was laid in the construction of the palace-fortress itself.
Castle Interior
Inside Neuschwanstein Castle is decorated in a special way. The throne room is decorated in the style of Wartburg halls. The walls are in canvases, which illustrate the stories from the legends. There are also many song halls: once there were balls in the castle, a large number of concerts, for example, performances by composer Richard Wagner and many other magnificent composers. At the beginning of the war, concerts were suspended, and only in the 70s they again resumed.
The most impressive hall in this palace, of course, is the throne room. The king himself paid him great attention: he wanted to praise God and prays to him. The throne room even has a special niche for prayers. This is what points to the close relationship of the king and God. On the empty walls are six kings who belong to the saints. And, of course, there are images of Christ, Mary, and John. And at a distance there are 12 apostles who are the bearers of God's will.
The floor of the throne room especially attracts tourists and parishioners: it is simply beautiful - a mosaic in the form of a heavenly globe with various images of animals and plants. The lower and upper parts of the hall are made of marble. There are also columns. Below they are made of purple material, and the upper part of the columns is made of lapis lazuli.
The main role in the interior of the palace is played by illustrations for Wagner's operas, as well as old German legends. By the end of World War II, part of the Reichsbank gold had been in the castle for a long time, and only in the last days of hostilities did gold go out in an unknown direction. According to legend, it was flooded in the nearest lake Alat. In the dungeons are also stolen jewelry, many paintings and antique furniture, which was intended for the collection of Hitler.
View from Marienbruck
Neuschwanstein Castle can be seen from the Marienbrucke near bridge. It was this building that inspired the creators at Disneyland Paris to build a castle for the sleeping beauty. The ancient fortress was also used in the 1968 film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, as a castle of the fictitious land of Vulgaria. Within its walls, the great composer Tchaikovsky was inspired by the creation of a great work in its world significance - Swan Lake.
Today, Neuschwanstein Castle is open to all visitors, both for parishioners and for tourists. Although it is not possible to visit here alone (excursions are carried out in groups). At the same time, automatic audio guides are provided, which are set out in all languages. In order to stay in this amazing place, you just need to buy a ticket at the ticket center, take a bus or walk to the castle walls. Currently, no one lives in the castle, but only a guard is constantly present who guards this building.
Neuschwanstein Castle is constantly waiting for its visitors from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The exception is the Christmas holidays. Excursions are carried out every five minutes, either in English or in German. When walking through the halls of the castle, you can’t take pictures and take very heavy objects, for example, bags. Wheelchairs are also not allowed, as there are a lot of visitors in the castle.