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Schloss Neuschwanstein
Built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Son of King Maximilian II of Bavaria. Born August 25, 1945. Upon the death of King Maximilian on 10 March 1864, Prince Ludwig became King of Bavaria at the age of 18. He avoided Munich as much as possible because he did not like court life with the fawning and cheering of its citizens. He felt free and happy only in the Bavarian uplands, in his beloved mountains. Started construction in 1874.
Not raised to appreciate the duties of state. Upon assuming the throne, he found that the ideals of monarchy to which he aspired did nto exist in the 19th century and that he was only a figurehead. The two chambers of the Bavarian Parliament were responsible for these . King began focusing on self-chosen tasks. He signed things he had to, but avoided much. Ordered invasion of Prussia in 1866 after much internal turmoil. Never married. Fighting against political intrigue and personal attacks. became embittered. His shness began to emerge. Concentrated on creating his own world in which everhting was noble and beautiful. This was manifested in his castles. Inn 1869 he started Neuschwanstein, Linderhof in 1874, Herrenchiemsee in 1878 and preparations for Schloss Falkensteing were concieved in 1885. Eventually it became impossible for the King's annual income to cover the building projects. The ruler declared by doctors to be unable to be considered responsible for his actions - the only way to relieve a king of his state responsibliities. On 8 Juen 1886 a medical commission under the direction of Dr. von Gudden compiled a medical declaration, the validity of which is still disputed, which came to the conculsion that th eKing was insane. The Commission finally reached the king on 12 June 1886. They took him from Neuschwanstein to Schloss Berg. The following day, Ludwig and Dr. von Gudden took an evening walk through the grounds from whch they never returnned. The King and his doctor were found dead, in the lake.
After the construction of the road and laying of water pipes, the foundatoin stone of the massive schloss was laid on 5 September 1869. The Gatehouse was constructed and furnished during the years 1869-73. In the spring of 1884 the rooms comprising the Kings apratments on the 3rd floor were habitiable and Ludwig II spent a quarter of his time there during the remaining two years of his life.
