The Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany is, undeniably, the most stunning castles in the area of Bavaria. Known by quite a few as The Story Book Castle, it proceeds to reside its history in the simple town of Hohenschwangau. It had been heralded as among the favorite destinations in Bavaria because it carries on to appeal to an incredible number of site visitors every year. The Neuschwanstein Castle has been designed for King Ludwig II. King Ludwig II . Hence the Neuschwanstein Castle is the product of his grandiose desires. The King commissioned designer Eduard Riedel to build the Gothic Revival fortress. The luxuriant fortress was designed to stage the operas of Richard Wagner, the king's favorite musician and performer. One of several distinctive areas in the castle, the Grotto, was designed to become an artificial cave along with stalactites along with waterfalls. The design of this area was motivated by the opera Tannhuser, a piece of Wagner.
The Communist Government of German Democratic Republic (or East Germany) built the Berlin Wall in August 13, 1961 through the efforts of the East Germany police force, army and volunteer construction workers. Made in makeshift barbed wire and concrete, Berlin Wall was intended primarily to stop the flow of emigrants from East to West, which later served to prevent Western “fascist” from crossing East Germany and destabilizing the socialist government. The historic wall remained standing until November 9, 1989, when the Cold War started to weaken across Eastern Europe. At midnight that day, the head of the East German Communist Party declared that the city is renewing its relation with the West and permitted all citizens of the GDR to pass through the border whenever they pleased. East and West Berliners swarmed the wall that night and drank beer and champagne to celebrate. One year before the reunification of East and West Germany, people would visit the wall with picks and hammers to start chipping it away. At present, the remaining portion of the Berlin Wall is considered as the country’s most staunch and enduring symbol of the Cold War.
When in Dresden, the signature landmark is the Frauenkirche, a church that is a source of history and signifies suffering to the Germans. Frauenkirche Dresden was destroyed during the World War II, years later it has been consecrated after a painstaking restoration. After the air raid, Frauenkirche collapsed, forming a pile of rubbles, 42 feet high. For 40 years the ruins remained untouched, this to many Germans signified the destruction power in wars. Rebuilding the Frauenkirche Resulting from the increased decay, rebuilding of the historic building started in 1994, this course was entirely financed by donations from private individuals and institutions, which hailed from all corners of the world. The successful donation plea gathered over 181 million Euros for the whole work. Although this project faced criticism from activists and sections of human groups arguing the money could have been used in more meaningful housing projects, the reconstruction was finalized in 2005, after 11 years. The main interest in rebuilding was inspired by the meaning the church before the air raid. After the destruction, it was seen as a symbol of a downfall of a city. Rebuilding Frauenkirche Dresden meant Germans were regaining a part of their old city. The significance attached to Frauenkirche is memories, symbolism, lessons and inspiration after rebuilding. Also, they believe that the dilapidated church was then an eyesore, and the pressing need to progress but not necessarily forgetting earned massive support. The grand reopening was historic, the consecration service bringing hope, peace and reconciliation theme. In attendance was Horst Kohler, the German president. Of importance to the thousands of the spectators was the golden cross and the return of the stone bells, meaning the church opened doors for the Protestant services. Interesting Facts · The golden cross donated was crafted by a son of a former allied pilot during the Dresden air raids · The murals in the church and the carved oak doors were recreated from old wedding pictures. · The plan followed during reconstruction is similar to the original used in 1726. · The height, together with the cross is 91.23 meters while the dome height is 24 meters.