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| An aerial view of Neuschwanstein Castle in southwestern Germany. (Source: Getty Images) |
Four magnificent castles nestled in the Bavarian Alps, Neuschwanstein, Linderhof, Schachen and Herrenchiemsee, were recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, along with 22 other sites around the world this year.
Built under King Ludwig II between 1864 and 1886, the castles blend into the surrounding landscape: either perched high in the mountains or hidden deep in the woods. After King Ludwig's death in 1886, all four structures were preserved and opened to the public as museums.
Among them, Neuschwanstein stands out for its mountaintop location and its unique history: it was once used to hide priceless works of art stolen by the Nazis. According to Discovery , the King built this castle “for his own pleasure.”
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| Linderhof Palace was the only building completed during King Ludwig's lifetime. (Source: Getty Images) |
The castle’s name “Neuschwanstein” (New Swan Castle) was inspired by a character in Richard Wagner’s opera. According to the castle’s official website, King Ludwig imagined himself as a knight of Schwangau and the legendary swan Lohengrin, although he was always conscious of his role as King of Bavaria. Later, Ludwig was often referred to as “Mad King Ludwig,” reflecting his eccentric personality and unconventional lifestyle.
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| Herrenchiemsee Castle was inspired by the Palace of Versailles, but is located in the middle of a remote, inaccessible forest. (Source: Getty Images) |
Linderhof was the only castle to be fully completed during Ludwig's lifetime. Herrenchiemsee, inspired by the Palace of Versailles, was unfinished in a remote location deep in the woods. The King's House on Schachen Mountain, while not a large-scale structure, was used. Originally a hunting lodge, it actually became the place where Ludwig held birthday parties.
Today, Neuschwanstein is the most visited tourist destination in Bavaria. Before Disneyland in Anaheim, California, opened in 1955, Walt Disney and his wife visited the castle on a trip to West Germany. It was the image of the ancient towers set in the mountains that inspired him to create the castle in Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and even the Disney logo.
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| King's House on Schachen Hill was originally built as a hunting lodge, but King Ludwig used it for birthday parties. (Source: Getty Images) |
“A fairy tale comes true with our fairytale castles,” Bavarian state governor Markus Söder said on social media X. “Fairytale castles combine beautiful art and culture with a touch of sophistication and cliché. When people around the world see the castle, they may think of Disney. But no – Neuschwanstein is and will always be authentically Bavarian,” he added.
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/bon-lau-dai-co-tich-o-duc-duoc-cong-nhan-di-san-the-gioi-unesco-321616.html
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