Neuschwanstein

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Neuschwanstein seen from the Marienbrücke.

Neuschwanstein Castle (German: Schloss Neuschwanstein, lit. New Swan Stone Castle; IPA pronunciation: /nɔyˈʃvaːnʃtain/) is a late 19th century castle in Germany, near Hohenschwangau and Füssen in southwest Bavaria, not far from the Austrian border at approximately 47°33′16″N, 10°44′10″E. It is the most photographed building in Germany ^[1], and is one of Germany's most popular tourist destinations.

1 Conception and construction
2 Trivia
3 Notes and references
4 External links

[edit] Conception and construction

The coat of arms of Ludwig over the entrance to the castle.

Construction was started by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, also known as "Mad King Ludwig". It was named after the Swan Knight, Lohengrin, of Wagner's opera of the same name, and was designed by Christian Jank. The castle is located near Ludwig's childhood residence Hohenschwangau Castle, an older structure 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 (he and a doctor were found in Lake Starnberg) in 1886, the castle was 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.

[edit] Trivia

An 1890s photochrom print of the castle.

The nearby Marienbrücke (Mary's Bridge) over Pöllat Gorge, named after Marie of Prussia, provides a view of one of Neuschwanstein's façades.
After the German spelling reform of 1996, the officially correct name is "Schloss Neuschwanstein". However, the castle is frequently still referred to using the old spelling: "Schloß Neuschwanstein".
Neuschwanstein served as the inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland. (The inspiration for the Cinderella Castles at other Disney parks is sometimes incorrectly attributed to Neuschwanstein.)
Neuschwanstein appears prominently in several films, including The Great Escape, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Timekeeper, Ludwig, and Spaceballs.
Neuschwanstein has also appeared in many television programs, including: The Amazing Race and Grimm's Fairy Tale Classics.
A photo of Neuschwanstein is on the cover of the British pop-group Blur's single "Country House" of 1995.
The interior of Neuschwanstein is copyrighted and taking photographs of the interior is strictly forbidden.
Neuschwanstein is to appear on a German Bundesländer series of €2 commemorative coins in 2012.
Neuschwanstein Castle is a finalist for the New Seven Wonders of the World, along with 20 other would-be wonders.
The castle itself is owned by the state of Bavaria, unlike Hohenschwangau which is owned by Franz, Duke of Bavaria