World's Greatest Palaces

Season 1, Episode 5: Neuschwanstein Castle

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A breath-taking fairytale palace in the snowcapped mountains of Bavaria in Southern Germany. Created for the eccentric King, Ludwig the second, the fantastical castle is both a visual and engineering marvel that was even an influence on Walt Disney. Sitting in the Alps, the 19th century structure was inspired by the operas of German composer, Richard Wagner. King Ludwig created Neuschwanstein to look medieval, but it was kitted out with all the latest innovations. The palatial home contains a huge throne room and a man-made cave. It took 17 years to build but was never fully completed after Ludwig was deposed, incarcerated and mysteriously died in 1868.