Neuschwanstein << noy SHVAHN shtyn >> Castle is one of the world’s most famous castles. The castle seems to rise out of a rock in a wooded area in the state of Bavaria in Germany. With its many turrets and towers, Neuschwanstein resembles a fairy-tale medieval castle. Neuschwanstein and other European castles inspired the design for the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California.
Neuschwanstein Castle was the dream of King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Ludwig was fascinated by the operas of the German composer Richard Wagner, with their celebration of Germanic mythical gods and legendary heroes. Ludwig planned the castle with architect Edward Riedel and the assistance of Christian Jank, a theater designer. The structure reflects both Gothic and Romanesque elements from the Middle Ages, the period from about A.D. 400 through the 1400’s. Neuschwanstein is constructed of gray granite. Construction began in 1869 and ended in 1886, the year of the king’s death. The castle was never finished.
In his romantic vision of Neuschwanstein Castle, Ludwig was strongly influenced by Wartburg Castle, a medieval fortress in Germany. Wartburg is the setting for Wagner’s opera Tannhäuser (1845). Neuschwanstein’s elevated setting gives visitors a panoramic view of the surrounding wilderness and helps make the castle one of Germany’s most popular tourist attractions.
The interior of the castle reflects Ludwig’s passion for the Middle Ages. Artists painted the walls of many rooms and vestibules with scenes from German myths and legends. Marble, gilded paneling, and tapestries also decorate many of the rooms.
The Study features frescoes showing scenes from Tannhäuser. Ludwig’s bedroom is dominated by a giant Gothic-style bed decorated with intricate carvings. The Throne Room, which has no throne, resembles a church interior and includes a large mosaic floor and a chandelier that resembles a huge crown. The Singers’ Hall has an elaborately decorated ceiling and many impressive chandeliers and candelabra. The Salon is decorated with scenes from Wagner’s opera Lohengrin (1848).
