Country: Germany
Number: 2
Photo: Schloss Herrenchiemsee
Season: Spring (May)

Did you know?
Schloss Herrenchiemsee is located on the island of Herreninsel which is in Lake Chiemsee. It is also the site of a medieval monastery. In 1873, King Lugwig II of Bavaria purchased the 230 hectare island in Lake Chiemsee which was called Herrenworth at the time. He wanted to build a monument to the absolute monarchy enjoyed by the French Kings. Construction began in 1878. Ludwig admired the grand palace of Versailles and this was to be a replica of Versailles. Most of the construction was completed in three years but the palace was never completed because the funds for construction were depleted. There are 1,848 candles, 33 crystal chandeliers and 44 gilded candelabras in the Great Hall of Mirrors. It is the most authentic replica of Versailles and the most dazzling hall in the palace. Of course, there were many other candles in the palace and King Ludwig II usually enjoyed his castles in candlelight. It took twenty-five servants more than 30 minutes to light all the candles in the palace. King Ludwig II only had the pleasure of staying in Herrenchiemsee Castle once (for just 9 days) before his death in 1886.

Additional Information:
Completed areas of the castle include the Vestibule, State Staircase, Guard Room, First Antechamber, Second Ante-Chamber, Parade-Chamber, Conference Hall, Great Gallery of Mirrors, Hall of War, Hall of Peace, Bedroom, Working Room, Blue Salon, Porcelain Room, Dining Room, Small Gallery of Mirrors, Bathroom and Dressing Room.

Georg Dollman was the architect for Herrenchiemsee and Linderhof castles. Herrenchiemsee was opened to the public two years after the Kings mysterious death.

Bonus Questions:

1. What are the names of King Ludwigs other dream castles?
2. How old was King Ludwig when he became King of Bavaria?
3. Who did King Ludwig idolize?

Answers?