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Bavaria - The magical world of King Ludwig the Second

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Dana EichhorstJuly 31, 2011

Herrenchiemsee PalaceKing Ludwig II of Bavaria was a headstrong monarch whose tragic death has only served to shape his lasting legacy. During his life, between 1845 and 1886, he created his own universe. Ludwig delved into the world of music and theater, and commissioned the construction of new castles - all of which reflected his own desires.

Now, 125 years after his death, the fairytale monarch is still capturing people's attentions. The Herrenchiemsee Palace was built on an island in the middle of Bavaria's largest lake, the Chiemsee. It was modeled after Versailles in France - but the hall of mirrors there is 77 meters long, 4 meters larger than its French inspiration. This year, a special exhibition is dedicated to the monarch: "Twilight of the Gods: King Ludwig II." The Allgäu region further west is home to Bavaria's most famous castle: Neuschwanstein. It was built to resemble the ideal medieval residence, but Ludwig died before construction was finished. Today, the castle draws about 1.3 million visitors each year. Its idyllic location is part of what makes it unique. Neuschwanstein is just an hour west of Linderhof Palace, which was completed while the king was still alive. It served as Ludwig's home and features the famous "Venus Grotto."

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