Neuschwanstein

Neuschwanstein (German: Schloss Neuschwanstein, "new swan stone"; IPA pronunciation: /nɔy'ʃvanʃtain/) is a late 19th century castle in Germany, near Hohenschwangau and Füssen in southwest Bavaria, not far from the Austrian border. It is said to be the most photographed building in the world, and is one of Germany's most popular tourist destinations.

Related Topics:
German - Swan - IPA pronunciation - 19th century - Castle - Germany - Hohenschwangau - Füssen - Bavaria - Austria

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Construction was started by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, also known as "Mad King Ludwig". It was named for the Swan Knight, Lohengrin, of Wagner's opera, and was designed by Christian Jank. The castle is located near Schloss Hohenschwangau, an older castle restored by Ludwig's father, Maximilian II of Bavaria. Owing to his eccentricites and his perceived use of Bavarian funds (a myth, as Ludwig actually used his own money to finance the construction of the castle), Ludwig was removed from power before the castle was completed. Soon after Ludwig's mysterious death in 1886, the castle and its amazing interior were opened to the public. Many tapestries and paintings depict scenes from the operas of Richard Wagner, a reflection of Ludwig's love for Wagner's work. However, many of the interior rooms remain undecorated; only 14 rooms were finished before Ludwig's death.

Related Topics:
King Ludwig II - Lohengrin - Wagner - Christian Jank - Schloss Hohenschwangau - Maximilian II of Bavaria - 1886 - Tapestries

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The nearby Marienbrücke (Marie's Bridge) provides a beautiful side view of Neuschwanstein.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Neuschwanstein, the (relatively) modern fairy-tale castle of Bavaria, inspired the modern fairy-tale castle at Disneyland, Sleeping Beauty Castle. The inspiration for the Cinderella Castles at other Disney parks is sometimes incorrectly attributed to Neuschwanstein. The basis for those designs is the Château d'Ussé in France http://period8mayer.tripod.com/Usse.html, http://www.dlp-guidebook.de/Lands/Fantasyland/Attractions/ChateauDeLaBelle.htm.

Related Topics:
Disneyland - Sleeping Beauty Castle - Château d'Ussé

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Neuschwanstein appears in the 1968 film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as a castle in the fictional land of Vulgaria.

Related Topics:
1968 film - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - Vulgaria

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~