Castle Hohenschwangau in the Allgäu

Castle Hohenschwangau in Schwangau

Schwanstein castle had already been described in 1523 as being "of no use as a relief or defence but with very thin walls". The repairs under the Augsburg patrician Paumgarten by the Italian master builder Licio de Spari from 1538 – 41 resulted in a virtually new building which then became the main seat of the Schwangau rulers. After several changes of ownership, Crown Prince Maximilian of Bavaria became enchanted with this place and bought the castle which by this time had degenerated into a ruin. Restoration began in 1833. The unusual layout with one side rounded off was retained; the regular main facade was formed by the tower at the south-west corner. King Maximilian II. used the castle as a summer residence. The interior rooms are accordingly copiously decorated; the countless murals and the stories depict of the praiseworthy gentlemen of German legends and history including the glorious deeds of the then still existing Wittelsbach generation.