Neuschwanstein
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| - | ''Constructed 1869-1892'' | + | '''Constructed 1869-1892''' |
Revision as of 17:19, 1 May 2007
Neuschwanstein Castle
Constructed 1869-1892
Neuschwanstein seen from the Marienbrücke.Neuschwanstein Castle (German: Schloss Neuschwanstein (formerly Schloß), lit. New Swan Rock Castle; IPA pronunciation: /nɔɪˈʃvaːnʃtain/) is perhaps the most famous 19th century neo-romantic castle in the world. Located in Germany, near Hohenschwangau and Füssen in southwest Bavaria, the castle was built by Ludwig II, King of Bavaria, as a retreat and as a homage to Richard Wagner, the King's inspiring muse. It is the most photographed building in Germany [1], although photography of the interior is not permitted[2], and is one of Germany's most popular tourist destinations.
Conception and construction
The conception of the castle was outlined by Ludwig II in a letter to Wagner, dated 13 May 1868; "It is my intention to rebuild the old castle ruin at Hohenschwangau near the Pollat Gorge in the authentic style of the old German knights' castles...the location is the most beautiful one could find, holy and unapproachable, a worthy temple for the divine friend who has brought salvation and true blessing to the world." The foundation stone of the building was laid September 5, 1869. Neuschwanstein was designed by Christian Jank, a theatrical set designer, rather than an architect, which says much regarding Ludwig's intentions and explains much of the fantastical nature of the resulting building. The architectural expertise, vital to such a perilously-sited building, was provided first by the Munich court architect, Eduard Riedel, and latterly by Georg Dollman and Leo Von Klenze.
The castle was originally called "New Hohenschwangau Castle" until the king's death, when it was re-named Neuschwanstein, the castle of the Swan Knight, Lohengrin, of Wagner's opera of the same name. In origin, the castle has been the Schwanstein, the seat of the knights of Schwangau, whose emblem had been the swan.
The castle comprises a gatehouse, a Bower, the Knight's House with a square tower, and a Palas, or citadel, with two towers to the Western end. The effect of the whole is highly theatrical, both externally and within. The king's influence is apparent throughout and he took a keen personal interest in the design and decoration. An example can be seen in his comments, or commands, regarding a mural depicting Lohengrin in the Palas; "His Majesty wishes that .. the ship be placed further from the shore, that Lohengrin's neck be less tilted, that the chain from the ship to the swan be of gold and not of roses, and finally that the style of the castle shall be kept medieval."
The coat of arms of Ludwig over the entrance to the castle.The suite of rooms within the Palas is intoxicating and overwhelming; the Throne Room followed by Ludwig's suite, followed by the Singers' Hall and by the Grotto. Throughout, the design pays homage to the operas of Richard Wagner, a reflection of Ludwig's love for Wagner's work, and perhaps for Wagner himself. However, many of the interior rooms remain undecorated; only 14 rooms were finished before Ludwig's death.[3]
Neuschwanstein was unfinished when, in 1886, the King was declared insane by a State Commission and arrested at the castle. Taken to Berg Palace, he was found in shallow water in Lake Starnberg, drowned, along with the psychiatrist who certified him, on 13 June 1886. The exact circumstances of his death remain unexplained.
