Neuschwanstein Castle, 1
Vocabulary
| island | disappear | at the same time |
| factor | foothills | magnificent |
| intend | artificial | admiration |
| idyllic | Baroque | surrounded |
| visible | solitude | mysterious |
| alone | angle (2) | in order to |
| palace | situated | approachable |
| visible | represent | interpretation |
| Alps | fortified | pay tribute |
| bell (2) | chivalry | man of his times |
| court | accessible | running water |
| grotto | bygone | expression |
| retreat | servant | circumstance |
| public |
Video
Transcript
Shortly after Ludwig was crowned king at the early age of eighteen (18), he got to work.
Sometimes he was busy planning three castles at the same time. He bought an island in Lake Chiemsee in order to build a magnificent palace on it; cost was not a factor.
Herrenchiemsee Palace was an expression of his admiration for the French king, Louis the Fourteenth. But he didn’t intend Herrenchiemsee, unlike Versailles, to be a center of power or focus for court society.
Ludwig was searching for the illusion of an idyllic, bygone world. And he was looking for solitude.
Werner Koch, Former Castellan: “Ludwig spent a total of ten days in the palace, in late September, 1885.
When it got dark, thirty-five (35) servants had to light all the candles in the palace. And after that, they all had to disappear so that king was all alone in his palace.”
Another castle ha had built for himself, alone, was Neuschwanstein, clearly visible from many angles, yet unapproachable, it’s situated in the foothills of the Alps, and is the most famous of all his castles.
Neuschwanstein represents a romantic interpretation of the Middle Ages — a fortified castle with a singers’ hall to pay tribute to the times of chivalry.
Yet, Ludwig was also a child of his times: he loved technology. His castle had telephone lines, battery-powered bells for the servants, and running water. But as with Herrenchiemsee, Ludwig didn’t live to see Neuschwanstein completed.
Not far away lies the only palace Ludwig was able to finish: Linderhof. Ludwig lived here for quite a while, and it feels more accessible, built in the Baroque style and surrounded by a large park. And here, he could retreat to an artificial grotto.
Shortly after Ludwig died at an early age under mysterious circumstances, his fairytale castle and palaces were open to the public for all to enjoy.
Questions
1. The castles and palaces in Bavaria, Germany were built by the government. True or false?
2. Was Herrenchiemsee completely original in design and style?
3. Did King Ludwig live with a queen, princes, princesses, family and friends?
4. Neuschwanstain Castle had a modern atmosphere. Is this correct or incorrect?
5. Was everything in Neuschwanstein medieval?
6. Are all three castles located far apart? Do they have the same geographical surroundings?
7. Was Linderhof similar in design to Neuschwanstein?
A. I have visited Herrenchiemsee, Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castles. Yes or no? What about your friends? Would you like to visit them?
B. My friends and I would like to live in a castle or palace.
C. Are there old castles and palaces where you live? Describe them. Do many tourists go there?
D. People should build (more) palaces and castles. What do you think?
E. What will happen in the future?
