The truth about one of the fairest places of the fairytales
Have you ever noticed the castles in Cinderela’s and in the Sleeping Beauty’s cartoons?
The most amazing about them is that there is a castle that looks almost exactly the same in real life.
It’s called Neuschwanstein (it is pronounced “nóichivanstáin”) and it’s in Germany, near the Austrian border.
It was the Neuschwanstein’s design that inspired the creators of Cinderela’s and the Sleeping Beauty’s scenarios, both in their drawings and in the replicas in Disney’s theme parks.
The Mad King’s Idea
The history of the actual castle began in the XIX century. Ludwig II, The Mad King of Bavaria, decided to build a magnificent castle in the middle of a forest.
The king’s intention was to create a haven where he could imagine any other thing. The works started in 1869 but, although magnificent, they were never concluded.
No Chapel
Because of the hard time to reach the place many modifications were made to the project during its execution, many of the chambers weren’t concluded.
To have a better idea, Ludwig II died in 1886 (a few months after moving into Neuschwanstein), the works in the castle went on for more eight years but, even though, areas such as a chapel in the castle’s courtyard never came out of the paper.
Elevator?
When it was built, Neuchswanstein had a series of equipment technologically advanced for its time such as heat systems and restrooms with flush and waste collecting systems. Ludwig II called his servants ringing an electrical bell and some of the chambers even had telephones! Another cool detail was an elevator that took the food to the table.
Fun Facts
Neuschwanstein castle was indicated as one of the 7 marvels of the world. It didn’t win the contest but it keeps attracting a lot of tourists.
There are three ways to get to the castle to a visit. On foot, in a 40 minutes hike . It’s also possible to get there on a horse cart or by bus.
Neuschwanstein means something alike “New Stone Swann”
Text written by: Ricardo Lourencini Assumpção, an ex-student from The Kids Club. He has already graduated.
