Constructed in the late 1800s, Neuschwanstein Castle was never built for defense purposes as most castles. Instead, this castle was created as a fanciful retreat for a man dubbed the “fairy-tale king.” King Ludwig II of Bavaria had a reputation for abiding in daydreams instead of reality. He was completely captivated by a German legend surrounding the Swan Knight. After losing complete sovereignty of his kingdom, Ludwig became obsessed in a project to build a castle that materialized his romantic fantasies. However, the project drained Ludwig of his finances. When the banks threatened to seize his property, Ludwig reacted irrationally, causing the government to declare him mad. Shortly thereafter, Ludwig was found drowned in a lake, without ever seeing the completion of his beloved castle.
Soon after Ludwig’s death, Neuschwanstein Castle was opened to the public. Only 14 rooms of the castle were finished before Ludwig’s death, but these rooms were lavishly decorated. Among these rooms are the exquisite Singers Hall, the two-story Throne Room and Ludwig’s bedroom, which features intricate wood carvings, embroidered draperies and a cave with lighted waterfalls. Dazzling chandeliers and beautiful paintings adorn every room while the third floor is devoted to Ludwig’s fascination of swan scenes from operas by the famous composer Richard Wagner, whom Ludwig deeply admired.
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