Abandoned and deserted, majestic and mysterious ... For most tourists visiting Europe, ancient castles are of particular interest . Neuschwanstein in its popularity, perhaps, is not comparable with any other. Its construction began on September 5, 1868 and lasted for 17 years. It is located on the watershed of the Pollack River in the Bavarian Tyrolean Alps, on the border between Germany and Austria, in the village of Hohenschwangau. Why is this castle so unlike other castles?
Neuschwanstein combines several architectural directions: here you can note the influence of Baroque, Moorish, Gothic, Byzantine styles.
The building belonged to King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Neuschwanstein Castle, whose photographs delight many, is fabulous and unique. It resembles an exquisite theatrical scenery. Its facade is decorated with garlands of balconies, towers and statues. Like other castles, Neuschwanstein inside has many different chambers and rooms, each of which differs in its own style.
Ludwig II of Bavaria had a special passion for the Middle Ages, but this did not prevent him from introducing modern technology in his residences. Like its other castles, Neuschweinstein is equipped with a heating system that functions thanks to the circulation of warm air. The building also has a kitchen with running water.
If you have a chance to visit Bavaria: Alps, local lakes, Munich, Neuschwanstein Castle, be sure to use it. Picturesque nature as if created for romantic adventures. The unusual atmosphere of the castle, slightly gloomy, partly melancholy, contributed to the fact that this building became a kind of embodiment of a fabulous place. The story of its owner is also interesting. The extravagance of Ludwig II was often reflected in his artistic vision, which was hatred of any restrictions. In 1866, Bavaria (in alliance with Austria) lost the war with Prussia. Ludwig became a vassal of the king of the victorious state, which seriously affected his pride and pride. And although he had other castles, Neuschwanstein was supposed to compensate the owner for the loss of sovereignty and become his personal undivided kingdom - the embodiment of a dream. The king began to avoid people, all day indulging in fantasies in the most remote corners of the castle. In 1886, Ludwig was declared insane and forced to sign an act of renunciation, and three days later his body was found in the lake. Seven weeks after the death of the king, the castle became open to the public.
The road to Neuschwanstein leads along mountain paths. The cliffs are reinforced with a net, as the land on which the castle stands tends to crumble. Beautiful landscapes with gorges, waterfalls and mountain peaks make an indelible impression. To decorate his possessions, the old king hired a former theater artist who painted the walls with scenes from the history of Lohengrin, medieval legends. In the bedroom of Ludwig, the frescoes depict the fate of Tristan and Isolde, in other rooms you can admire the images of the Grail. A great lover of opera, the king was a fan of Wagner. Therefore, the castle has halls decorated with scenes from the opera Parsifal. From the balcony of the throne room, you can enjoy views of Lake Alpsee and the sharp peaks of Tangheim.
“I remain an eternal mystery to myself and others,” Ludwig of Bavaria once admitted to his associates. The pacifist king, builder, dreamer ... He left after his death a real work of architectural art. In the castle, and now every way is encouraged spiritual life. For example, Wagner concerts are regularly held there. About half a million people visit Neuschwanstein every year. It is worth mentioning that the castle became the prototype of a fabulous residence for Disneyland.