European Locks. Neuschwanstein is the pearl of Bavaria

Abandoned and deserted, majestic and mysterious ... For most tourists visiting Europe, special attraction is the ancient castles. Neuschwanstein in its popularity, perhaps, can not be compared with any other. Its construction began on September 5, 1868 and lasted for 17 years. It is located on the watershed of the Pollak River in the Bavarian Tyrolean Alps, on the border between Germany and Austria, in the village of Hohenschwangau. Why is this castle so unlike other castles? Neuschwanstein combines several architectural directions: here you can note the influence of Baroque, Moorish, Gothic, Byzantine styles.

The building belonged to King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Neuschwanstein Castle, whose photos delight many - fabulous and unique. It resembles exquisite theatrical scenery. Its facade is decorated with garlands of balconies, towers and statues. Like other castles, Neuschwanstein inside has many different chambers and rooms, each with its own style.

Ludwig II of Bavaria experienced a special passion for the Middle Ages, but this did not prevent him from introducing modern technologies in his residences. Like its other castles, Neuschweinstein is equipped with a heating system that functions thanks to the circulation of warm air. In the building there is also a kitchen with running water.

If you have a chance to visit Bavaria: Alps, local lakes, Munich, Neuschwanstein Castle, be sure to use it. The picturesque nature seems to be created for romantic adventures. The unusual atmosphere of the castle, slightly gloomy, partly melancholic, contributed to the fact that this building became a kind of embodiment of a fairy-tale place. The history of its owner is also interesting. The extravagance of Ludwig II was often reflected in his artistic vision, which consisted in hatred of any restrictions. In 1866, Bavaria (in alliance with Austria) lost the war with Prussia. Ludwig became the vassal of the king of the victorious state, which seriously affected his pride and self-esteem. And although he had other castles, Neuschwanstein had to compensate the owner for the loss of sovereignty and become his personal undivided kingdom - the embodiment of a dream. The king began to avoid people, spent whole days indulging in fantasies in the most remote corners of the castle. In 1886, Ludwig was recognized as insane and forced to sign an act of abdication, and three days later his body was found in the lake. Already seven weeks after the death of the king, the castle became open to the public.

The road to Neuschwanstein leads along mountain paths. The rocks are reinforced with a grid, as the land on which the castle stands, tends to crumble. Beautiful landscapes with gorges, waterfalls and mountain peaks make an indelible impression. To decorate his possessions, the old king hired a former theater artist who painted the walls with scenes from the history of Lohengrin, medieval legends. In the bedroom Ludwig frescoes depict the fate of Tristan and Isolde, in other rooms you can admire the images of the Grail. A great lover of the opera, the king was a fan of Wagner. Therefore, the castle has halls decorated with scenes from the opera Parsifal. From the balcony of the throne room you can enjoy the views of the Alpsee lake and the sharp peaks of Tangheim.

"I remain an eternal riddle for myself and others," Ludwig Bavarian once confessed to his associates. A pacifist king, a builder, a dreamer ... He left a real work of architectural art after his death. In the castle, spiritual life is encouraged in every possible way. For example, Wagner concerts are held regularly there. Every year Neuschwanstein is visited by about half a million people. It is worth mentioning that the castle became the prototype of a fabulous residence for Disneyland.