Neuschwanstein Castle
Using his own personal funds, the enigmatic King Ludwig II of Bavaria commissioned the construction of this incredibly romantic castle as a private retreat for himself. It was designed as an idealized interpretation of the medieval world and dedicated to the composer Richard Wagner. The castle was, however, opened to the public just weeks after Ludwig’s death in 1886, and is now one of the most visited castles in the world. It’s easy to see why. Resembling something out of a fairy tale, the castle continues to capture the public’s imagination and draws crowds from all corners of the world.