The Taelemans´ Blog

Neuschwanstein was built by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat and as a homage to Richard Wagner, the King’s inspiring muse. In a letter to Wagner, the King wrote:

It is my intention to rebuild the old castle ruin at Hohenschwangau near the Pollat Gorge in the authentic style of the old German knights’ castles… the location is the most beautiful one could find, holy and unapproachable, a worthy temple for the divine friend who has brought salvation and true blessing to the world.

The construction of the castle started on September 5, 1869 and was was close to completion when, in 1886, the King was declared insane by a State Commission under Dr. von Gudden and arrested at the palace. He was taken to Schloss Berg, where he was found on June 13, 1886, in shallow water in Lake Starnberg, drowned, along with von Gudden, the psychiatrist who certified him. The exact circumstances of his death remain unexplained.

Some facts about the castle:

• In 2007, it was a finalist in the selection of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
• it has served as the inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland, as I mentioned in my previous post about Disneyland.
• Despite its medieval look, the construction of Neuschwanstein required the modern technology of the day, and the palace is a marvel of technological structural achievements. Steam engines and electricity, modern venting, and heating pipes are all part of the structure.
• And last but not least: Neuschwanstein is the most photographed building in Germany, so of course I had to get a shot.