The king and his castle : Neuschwanstein

Even though Neuschwanstein Castle was only built in the 19th century, it looks like a story-book image of a mediaeval palace.

It was the model for Walt Disney's fantasy castle and used in the famous children's film "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang".

From an early age, Prince Ludwig (later to become King Ludwig II of Bavaria) was fascinated by buildings, and by the age of eight his sketchbook was filled with illustrations of castles.

As a young adult he was able to turn his dreams into palatial grandeur.

Neuschwanstein's construction proved to be a great feat of engineering and it now ranks as one of Germany's most visited tourist attractions.

Detailed illustrations and photographs lead us through the individual rooms of the palace and introduce us to the life and legacy of King Ludwig II.