At the Schloss Neuschwanstein (Neuschwanstein Castle), in southeastern Germany

 There are no rules of architecture for a castle in the clouds. --Gilbert K. Chesterton

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(near Füssen, in southeastern Germany,in the Bavarian Alps) Schloss Neuschwanstein (Neuschwanstein Castle), which translates to "New Swan Stone" castle, is not only one of the most famous castles in Germany, but arguably in the world. Appearing through the mountaintops like a mirage, Schloss Neuschwanstein was the model for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. King Ludwig II planned this fairy-tale pile himself, with the help of a stage designer rather than an architect. He envisioned it as a stage on which to recreate the world of Germanic mythology, inspired by the operatic works of his friend Richard Wagner. The most impressive room is the Sängersaal (Minstrels’ Hall), whose frescos depict scenes from the opera Tannhäuser.

+ Built as a medieval castle, work started in 1869 and, like so many of Ludwig’s grand schemes, was never finished. For all the sums spent on it, the king spent just over 170 days in residence. Completed sections include Ludwig’s bedroom, dominated by a huge Gothic-style bed crowned with icarved cathedral-like spires; an artificial grotto (another allusion to Tannhäuser); and the Byzantine-style Thronsaal (Throne Room) with a mosaic floor containing over two million stones. The painting opposite the (throneless) throne platform depicts another castle dreamed up by Ludwig that was never built . (For a great view of Neuschwanstein and the plains beyond, walk 10 minutes up to Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge), shown here, which spans the spectacular Pöllat Gorge over a waterfall above the castle. (It’s said Ludwig enjoyed coming up here after dark to watch the candlelight radiating from the Sängersaal.)

+ The castle’s throne room, which still did not contain a throne at the time of Louis’s death, is modeled after a Byzantine basilica; stars decorate its blue vaulted ceiling, which is supported by red porphyry columns. Louis was a patron of Richard Wagner, and paintings throughout the castle depict the legends that inspired the composer: the life of Parsifal in the Singers’ Hall; the Tannhäuser saga in the study; and Lohengrin in the great parlour. Despite remaining unfinished, Neuschwanstein Castle became one of the most popular tourist attractions in Europe, receiving about 1.3 million visitors each year. It also served as inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.

+ Neuschwanstein was built in a time when castles were no longer necessary as strongholds, and, despite its romanticized design, Louis required it to have the newest technological comforts. structure is complete with a walled courtyard, and an indoor garden. Neuschwanstein is equipped with running water, flush toilets and hot water in the kitchen and baths, and has a central heating system. The dining room is serviced by an elevator from the kitchen three stories below. Louis also ensured the castle was connected to telephone lines, though very few people had phones then.