CastleView: The Fairytale Castles of King Ludwig II

Photo: BBC
BBC's "The Fairytale Castles of King Ludwig II" by Dan Cruickshank gives an inside glimpse into the three fairytale castles of King Ludwig II of Bavaria: Schloss Neuschwanstein, Schloss Herrenchiemsee and Schloss Linderhof - three fantasies come to life.


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Dresdner Zwinger

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If you had to list Dresden's most famous sights, it would probably the Frauenkirche, the Semper Opera and, of course, the Zwinger, the Baroque masterpiece that owes is existence to Saxony's most famous ruler, August the Strong. It's name, though, is a bit of a curious case. Historically speaking, a Zwinger in German is an open area between two defensive walls that is used for defensive purposes. The name dates back to previous usages of the area. The current Zwinger, however,was never used for strategic reasons, but as a place for lavish gatherings and entertainment. August the Strong, who wasn't only Elector of Saxony but also King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, was a lover of the fine arts that almost searches his equal in German history. He established Dresden as a major cultural centre, attracting artists from across Europe to his court. The Zwinger was just one of his many endeavors. But how did he come up with the idea? On his grand tour through France a…
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Schloss Weesenstein

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Before I went to Dresden a few weeks ago, I had never heard of a place called Schloss Weesenstein. It was a special exhibition they are having this year that actually drew my attention to it: „Bomb-Proof! A Hideaway for Art - Weesenstein 1945“. Whatever urban castle, church, museum or other historical building you visit in Germany, the topic of the last years oft he Second World War is sure to come up at some point. Schloss Weesenstein lies outside of any city nestled away in the valley of the Müritz valley not to far from Dresden. As such it was destined to be a hideaway for the masterpieces of Dresden’s museums - and lots of wine.  The history of Schloss Weesenstein, however, starts much earlier than that. According to archaeological finds, its history began over 800 years ago. Firstly mentioned in 1318 as Weysinberg, the castle belonged to the burgraves of Dohna. Not long after, the Dohnas got involved in a feud actually bearing their name. The Dohna Feud was started in 1385 at a …
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Royal Wedding in Hanover: The Guests (Part 2)

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And here we go again, some more guests of the royal wedding in Hanover yesterday. Once again in no particular order. For more guests, have a look at my previous post. Pictures of the bridal couple here. The bride's parents on the left together with Princess Alexandra of Hanover, Alessandra de Osma (fiancée of Prince Christian), Prince Christian of Hanover and Princess Chantal of Hanover, mother of the groom. It was Prince Christian who led a round of rousing applause for his brother and sister-in-law. Princess Alexandra and Alessandra de Osma. Prince Christian. Princess Alexandra Princess Chantal, mother of the groom. Baron Christian of Humboldt-Dachroeden, illegitimate son of the groom's grandfather, and his wife Baroness Marie.  Countess Marie of Hochberg, née Princess of Hanover and aunt of the groom.  Hereditary Prince Ferdinand of Leiningen, cousin of the groom.  Martin Kind, businessman and president of the local football club, Hannover 96.  Prince Berthold of Baden.  O…
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