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Neuschwanstein Castle
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Neuschwanstein Castle
Germany's best known castle is actually one of its newest. Neuschwanstein was already an anachronism when it was built in the 19th century. Its name ("new swan stone") reflects its builder's fascination with swans, but Schloss Neuschwanstein did not originally bear that name. Ludwig II of Bavaria had called his dream castle "Neue Burg Hohenschwangau" ("New Castle Hohenschwangau"). But when the castle opened to the public on August 1, 1886, just weeks after Ludwig's death, the still unfinished castle bore the name Neuschwanstein.
Das Schloss or die Burg? These two German words for "castle" are often used interchangeably, but generally a Burg is a fortress, while a Schloss is more of palace or a castle residence. In this sense, Schloss Neuschwanstein is properly named, since it was intended as a residence and not a fortress.
The castle's construction lasted 23 years, until long after Ludwig's death. Although built in the Germanic late Romanesque style of the 13th century, Neuschwanstein was equipped with the best technology available in the late 1860s. Quite unlike any real medieval castle, Neuschwanstein has a forced-air central heating system. Its rarely-used kitchen was of the most advanced design for the time.
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Photo © Hyde Flippo
Before his death, the Bavarian king had spent only eleven nights in his new castle. In the summer of 1884 the king had used some of the finished rooms for a short stay. He may have spent so little time there because of a major disappointment. The castle had originally been intended as a stage for Wagnerian productions and an homage to Ludwig's favorite composer, Richard Wagner. But Ludwig and Wagner had had a falling out, and the composer never set foot in Neuschwanstein. (Learn more about Ludwig and Neuschwanstein from The German Way Web site.)
This view of Schloss Neuschwanstein is taken from the walking path that winds its way from the castle to the Marienbrücke (Maria Bridge) high above the Pöllatbach waterfall. In the distance, behind the castle, we can see the scenic valley that Neuschwanstein overlooks.
Schloss Neuschwanstein - Deutschland
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