Neuschwanstein - Royal Palace in Winter

 

Neuschwanstein - probably the most famous of the many German castles and palaces. It is located in the Alps of Ammergau, near the city of Füssen,  nestled in the mountains with spectacular views to the Alps and down to the town of Schwangau.

It was commissioned by Bavarian King  Ludwig II. He was a great admirer of the works of German composer Richard Wagner. To him the king wrote the following words: 

"It is my intention to rebuild the old castle ruin of Hohenschwangau near the Pöllat Gorge in the authentic style of the old German Knight's castles, and I must co9nfess to you that I am looking forward very much to living there one day (in 3 years); tghere will be several cosy, habitable guest rooms with a splendid view of the noble Säuling, the mountains of Tyrol and far across the plain; you know the revered guest I would like to accommodate there; the location is one of the most beautiful to be found, holy and unapproachable, a worthy temple for the divine friend who has brought salvation and true blessing to the world. It will also remind you of "Tannhäuser" (Singers' Hall with a view of the castle in the background), "Lohengrin" (castle courtyard, open corridor, path to the chapel); this castle will be in every way more beautiful and habitable than Hohenschwangau further down, which is desecrated every year by the prose of my mother; they will take revenge, the desecrated gods, and come to live with Us on the lofty heights, breathing the air of heaven."

The gateway was the first section to be completed, after the foundation stone was laid on September 5, 1869 and the king lived there for a few years. Construction of the main parts of Neuschwanstein took longer than expected and were far more expensive, driving the king into bankruptcy. He then applied to the government, asking for financial support. The government instead, opted for deposing the king. The second attempt to bring him into custody worked, after the first one failed when Ludwig was able to get the gendarmeries and brigades of the surrounding villages and towns to protect him. The night after he was taken from the castle, King Ludwig and his assigned supervisor, his neurologist, died unter mysterious circumstances in Lake Starnberg.

The castle was eventually finished, but with simpler designs and the plans for extensive gardens with terraces and fountains were abandoned. The king had never planned for the castle to ever be opened to the public, but soon after completion, the goevbernment decided otherwise. The first year, there were 18.000 visitors, today there are near 2 million per year.

Thank you so much for this awesome winter view of Neuschwanstein Castle, Daniela !!!