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Hohenschwangau |
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As a child, King Ludwig II often spent the summer months with his parents at Hohenschwangau Castle. "Here in my beloved Hohenschwangau I am having a splendid time, I am taking advantage of the fine weather we are at last having to go for many long rides in the surrounding countryside", wrote the young Ludwig to his governess in 1867. |
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He was particularly attracted by the depictions of the knights of Schwangau, the former owners of the castle. Their heraldic animal, the swan, also became one of Ludwig's favourite creatures. |
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His father, King Maximilian II, had acquired the castle when he was crown prince and had it rebuilt in the romantic, neo-Gothic style. Ludwig, already living in a fantasy world as a child, was fascinated by the numerous frescoes illustrating various legends and stories. |
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