Neuschwanstein Castle and Mad King Ludwig
Appearing through the mountaintops like a mirage, Schloss Neuschwanstein was the model for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. King Ludwig II planned this fairy-tale pile himself, with the help of a stage designer rather than an architect. He envisioned it as a giant stage on which to recreate the world of Germanic mythology, inspired by the operatic works of his friend Richard Wagner. The most impressive room is the Sängersaal (Minstrels’ Hall), whose frescos depict scenes from the opera Tannhäuser.
Built as a romantic medieval castle, work started in 1869 and, like so many of Ludwig’s grand schemes, was never finished. For all the coffer-depleting sums spent on it, the king spent just over 170 days in residence.
King Ludwig II of Bavaria (1845 - 1886), better known as "Mad King Ludwig", has remained a cult figure to this day. With his ambitious building projects and lack of interest in affairs of state, he was a controversial figure. The king’s passions were architecture and music, and his friendship with Richard Wagner influenced his entire life. He dragged the country to the edge of financial ruin as he built one magnificent country home after another, all the while dreaming of new ones.
Eccentric he may have been, but there had been no evidence supporting his "madness" until his government saw no option but to find a way to oust him from power. In 1886, he was declared insane; forced to resign as King, and kicked out of his home at Neuschwanstein Castle. Not long afterwards, he and his psychiatrist were found dead in Lake Starnberg, in the grounds of Berg Castle. The reasons behind his mysterious death remain unknown: it was ruled as a suicide, but many believe it was murder.
But no one complains anymore about the cost of Ludwig's castles. Within six weeks of his funeral, tourists were paying to see the castles - and they're still coming.
Neuschwanstein Castle and Mad King Ludwig
Appearing through the mountaintops like a mirage, Schloss Neuschwanstein was the model for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. King Ludwig II planned this fairy-tale pile himself, with the help of a stage designer rather than an architect. He envisioned it as a giant stage on which to recreate the world of Germanic mythology, inspired by the operatic works of his friend Richard Wagner. The most impressive room is the Sängersaal (Minstrels’ Hall), whose frescos depict scenes from the opera Tannhäuser.
Built as a romantic medieval castle, work started in 1869 and, like so many of Ludwig’s grand schemes, was never finished. For all the coffer-depleting sums spent on it, the king spent just over 170 days in residence.
King Ludwig II of Bavaria (1845 - 1886), better known as "Mad King Ludwig", has remained a cult figure to this day. With his ambitious building projects and lack of interest in affairs of state, he was a controversial figure. The king’s passions were architecture and music, and his friendship with Richard Wagner influenced his entire life. He dragged the country to the edge of financial ruin as he built one magnificent country home after another, all the while dreaming of new ones.
Eccentric he may have been, but there had been no evidence supporting his "madness" until his government saw no option but to find a way to oust him from power. In 1886, he was declared insane; forced to resign as King, and kicked out of his home at Neuschwanstein Castle. Not long afterwards, he and his psychiatrist were found dead in Lake Starnberg, in the grounds of Berg Castle. The reasons behind his mysterious death remain unknown: it was ruled as a suicide, but many believe it was murder.
But no one complains anymore about the cost of Ludwig's castles. Within six weeks of his funeral, tourists were paying to see the castles - and they're still coming.