Neuschwanstein Castle: history and legends

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

Neuschwanstein Castle is the main attraction of Bavaria. He seemed to have descended from the pages of a fairy tale about beautiful princesses, brave princes and dragons. This castle has inspired many famous people to create beautiful works. For example, employees of the Disney company took him as a model for the Sleeping Beauty castle. Tourists from all over the world seek to personally see the attraction. The stories and legends of Neuschwanstein Castle are no less interesting than its architecture. They add mystery and make the visit more interesting.

A Brief History

This castle was built by order of King Ludwig II. The future monarch spent his youth in Bavaria at Hohenschwangau Castle. Until the age of 18, he lived with his parents, but even then he sought solitude in his own possessions. The history of the creation of Neuschwanstein Castle begins in 1868, when they began to prepare the site for its construction.

Ludwig II chose a place for his future residence not far from his parents' house on a sheer cliff. At first it was planned to demolish the top in order toprepare a plateau. Then the territory was cleared, the road work was completed, the water supply was installed and the foundation was laid.

The Monarch set a difficult task for the builders: to build Neuschwanstein in the shortest possible time. So I had to work day and night. The main difficulty was the difficult location of the castle and the difficulties in delivering building material, which required a large amount. To do this, a steam-powered crane was installed at the western side of the cliff.

By 1873, the fortress walls were erected, the gates, the first three floors of the castle were installed. Ten years later, construction and finishing work has not been completed. In the spring of 1884, Ludwig II was forced to settle in an unfinished castle. But he did not enjoy solitude for long: in total, he lived there for only 172 days. He was removed from management, transferred to a hospital, and after some time, in 1886, he mysteriously died. There is talk of suicide, although the final version is still unknown.

But the story of the creation of Neuschwanstein Castle did not end there. The western terrace, baths and church towers have not yet been rebuilt. The construction was completed in 1891. Interestingly, the castle was built for privacy, and now it is the most visited attraction in Bavaria, bringing profit to the treasury.

The Legend of the Swan Knight

The creation of this amazing place by Ludwig of Bavaria was inspired by the legend of the swan knight Lohengrin. This is one of the most famous stories of the castle. Neuschwanstein. The name itself is translated as "New swan rock (cliff)". The castle is located in a surprisingly picturesque place on the impregnable rocks of the Alps. Against their background, surrounded by dark green tall fir trees, it seems truly fabulous.

No wonder Ludwig II, who had a wild imagination, dreamed of creating a place worthy of a knight like Lohengrin. Many centuries ago, the Duke of Brabant lived in Germany with his beautiful daughter Elsa. Once the haughty and ambitious knight Friedrich Telramund wooed her. But Elsa refused him, and the duke did not insist.

When the girl's father died, Telramund decided to marry Elsa by cunning. The girl began to call on her father's friends and vassals to protect her. But no one dared to go out to duel with Telramund. And suddenly a melodious ringing was heard from the side of the river: everyone saw a beautiful swan carrying a boat. And on it sat a brave knight.

He defeated Telramund and answered all questions that he had come to help Elsa. They fell in love and got married, but with one condition: the girl should not have asked about the name and origin of her savior. But over time, those around began to stir up Elsa's curiosity. And she, breaking her oath, asked who he really was.

The husband replied that he was Lohengrin, the son of Parsifal and one of the Knights of the Round Table. They come when injustice is done on earth. Knights may stay if they love someone, but under no circumstances should they give their name. After this story, a swan sailed and tookLohengrin.

According to the idea of Ludwig II, Neuschwanstein Castle was supposed to be an ideal place for the fabulous swan knight and his beloved wife. The swan became its symbol also because it is depicted on the coat of arms of the Schwangau family, to which the father of Ludwig of Bavaria belonged.

Throne Room

One of the interesting stories of Neuschwanstein Castle is connected with the throne room. There are 360 of them in total, each dedicated to the heroes of Wagner's musical works. The main one - the throne room - is decorated in the Byzantine style. As planned by the king, he was supposed to personify the hall of the Holy Grail from the work "Parsifal" by Wagner.

This room has high ceilings supported by two rows of columns. At the bottom, they are finished in porphyry, and at the top, artificial lapis lazuli is used as decoration. The steps of the marble staircase are framed with images of the 12 apostles. They lead to a niche in which a throne with the image of a cross and the coat of arms of Bavaria should have been located. But they did not have time to install it.

Early Christian scenes were chosen for wall painting. On the second level of the columns there is a luxurious gilded chandelier, reminiscent of a Byzantine crown. The floor is decorated with mosaics depicting scenes from Greek mythology. The legends of the Holy Grail and the Knights of the Round Table inspired Ludwig II to create this fabulous place.

Singing Hall

The history of Neuschwanstein Castle is closely connected with Wagner. It is known that Ludwig II admired his talent, those fabulous images that he embodied in his creations. The singing hall wasbuilt for staging operas by the famous composer.

But no performances were given during the reign of the king. But now classical music festivals are held here every year. This is the most luxurious, pompous hall dedicated to Parsifal. He is the hero of one of the medieval legends, a knight who was a naive youth and became the king of the Grail. The central painting in this room shows the appearance of Parsifal in the castle of the Grail.

Royal chambers

In the royal chambers, Ludwig II spent a lot of time. The history of Neuschwanstein Castle is based on the legend of the swan knight and other myths of the Middle Ages. All rooms are decorated in the same style: oak paneling, massive furniture and silk curtains.

The royal bedroom is made in neo-gothic style. 14 craftsmen worked on its decoration for 4, 5 years. The walls are decorated with paintings that show the tragic love story of Tristan and Isolde. And the swan theme is visible in the decor of the living room.

Architecture

But not only the history of Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany makes it especially attractive for tourists from all over the world. In addition to the picturesque location, the architecture deserves special attention - it is truly unique.

To get here, you need to go along a winding road to the palace gate with high towers. They are built of red brick and contrast with the snow-white walls of Neuschwanstein.

First, visitors enter the Lower Courtyard, and after climbing the stairs to the Square Tower, they reachUpper courtyard. Inside, you can admire the picturesque garden, which even has an artificial cave. Along the perimeter of the Upper Court are all the main buildings of the castle, including the Chamber of Knights and the Women's Tower. In the center is the castle itself with five floors. The pointed spiers of the towers are directed high into the sky, which makes them even higher. Carved windows and balconies create a dreamlike atmosphere.

Interior decoration

The history of Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria is closely connected with the medieval epic. Therefore, its interior design combines several epochs. All the decoration is more like scenery for a fairy tale - it is difficult to single out a single style in them.

In addition to the above rooms of the castle, there are other rooms that are no less delightful. For example, the Grand Salon, inspired by the legend of the Swan Knight. The work environment is more restrained. The large table is covered with green cloth with gold embroidery. The curtains are matched to him. Stationery is distinguished by luxury and elegance: they are made of ivory and gold, decorated with precious stones. There is a chapel behind a screen.

Tours

You can listen to the stories and legends of Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany as part of excursion groups. It is not allowed to visit the main attraction of Bavaria on your own. The castle is closed only on Christmas holidays. In summer it is open from 9 am to 6 pm, in winter it is open from 10 am to 6 pm.

The best of itvisit in autumn and winter, because in summer, due to the large number of tourists, they reduce the time of excursions. Their duration is not more than half an hour. Guides conduct them in German and English. Additionally, you can use the audio guide service. It is best to purchase tickets in advance, the cost can be checked on the official website.

How to get there

You can come here from Fussen by train. Or by car, setting off on an unusually picturesque route. There is also a shuttle bus.

The briefly told history of Neuschwanstein Castle makes many people want to look at this fabulous splendor. He is the embodiment of the dreams of Ludwig II, who grew up in the romantic setting of the Alps and on the fairytale legends of the Swan Knight and the Holy Grail. Neuschwanstein is not only the main attraction of Bavaria, but also one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.