Schwerin Castle in Germany

The smallest capital of the federal states of Northern Germany, famous for its huge number of lakes, has gained worldwide fame thanks to its business card - Schwerin Castle, decorated with beautiful turrets. German Florence (and this is what the locals of Schwerin call the locals) is a picturesque place in which comfort and harmony prevail, and historical monuments are combined with modern buildings. The majestic structure, which will be discussed today, is under the protection of UNESCO.

History of the appearance of the castle

In the 1st century AD, in the territory of a modern city that holds a priceless treasure, there was a small fort where the Germans lived, but after seven centuries the Slavic tribes invaded the land, built a wooden fortress near the lake, performing a defensive function. The first mention of it dates back to the year 965. In the XII century, after prolonged wars, the Germans returned their lands and built a new city - Schwerin, which became the spiritual and cultural capital of Mecklenburg.

The fabulous Schwerin Castle, built on the site of the former fortress, appeared between 1845 and 1857 on the orders of the Grand Duke of Mecklenburg, who became the owner of a small county. He wished that the family residence of an ancient noble family would appear on his land.

Treasure of Northern Germany

The famous architect G. Demmler, who often travels to other countries in search of inspiration, worked extensively on the design of the future structure, which became the symbol of the town. At that time, the most fashionable trend in Europe was considered eclecticism - a mixture of styles and forms. Schwerin Castle, whose outlines resembled the French Chambord, was rebuilt several more times, and the German architect G. Semper, who designed the 70-meter tower, made a significant contribution to the architecture of the building.

In 1913, a terrible fire destroyed a third of the main value of Schwerin, and a few dozen years was a restoration. Completely restored castle turns into a museum, and since 1990 it becomes a place where the parliament meets. During the Second World War, the city and its main pearl were not affected by bombing, and tourists can enjoy a wonderful spectacle.

A masterpiece that combines a variety of architectural styles

Schwerin Castle, located on an artificial island between two lakes, is made in a variety of architectural styles. The pentagonal central structure, crowned by spiers of different sizes reflected in transparent water, carries elements of Gothic, Baroque, Byzantine style, classicism and Renaissance. And at the same time, all directions are harmoniously combined with each other, giving the citadel a finished look. On the facade of the building there is a horse sculpture of Grand Duke Nicklot, the founder of the Mecklenburg family.

Tourists who have visited the castle, find it difficult to name the exact number of gold-casting towers that adorn the elegant structure, and the locals laugh, saying that they are as many as days a year.

Interior decoration of the rooms

But not only the amazing appearance of the treasure of Northern Germany attracts tourists: there is something to look at and inside, and the interior of numerous chambers is impressive no less than the architecture of the main city monument. On the three floors of the Schwerin Castle, a photo of which conveys its exquisite beauty, there are the halls where the Grand Dukes resided. Now tourists are available 653 rooms, which belonged to the family. Curiously, they are all unique and do not resemble each other.

On the walls hang portraits of rulers from the Mecklenburg family, spacious rooms are decorated with gilding, jeweled carved wood, attracting the eyes of ceiling moldings. But the main masterpiece is the Throne Room with amazing marble columns and cast-iron doors. Tourists, passing through spacious rooms, represent the luxury of local aristocrats.

Legends of the Ghost Peterman

In an ancient building, according to the legend, there is a man of small stature, whose image can be seen on the door of a wooden cabinet, created in the XVII century. It is believed that for the first time the dwarf came to Schwerin Castle over tangled tunnels from a nearby mine where he works as a blacksmith, and now he makes his way to the building through a narrow grotto near the lake. Residents of the town are sure that Peterman constantly knocks on his small anvil, and if you put your ear to the ground, you can hear melodic sounds.

An old man with a grumpy temper always lives in one of the rooms and does not tolerate any changes. After extensive repairs over a hundred years ago, astonished builders discovered that one of the premises remained intact. All the owners of the family residence obligatory put on the dinner table an additional device and cooked a favorite ghost dish - red beets.

Enchanted Prince

However, there is another legend according to which a ghost of the enchanted prince wanders in the castle towering above the Schwerin castle lake (Schwerin, Germany). A rich heir to the lands accidentally killed the priest and after the imposed curse turned into a small gnome, frightening lonely tourists. Many say that in the darkness the outlines of a gray-haired old man dressed in unfashionable clothes and clattering with a bunch of keys appear. Often he talks to visitors and asks to be spoiled by him, but so far no one has been able to restore his former appearance.

Residents are closely watching what Peterman is wearing: the black color of the jacket means someone's death, and if the dwarf appears in a red or white outfit, then this is considered a harbinger of pleasant events for the city. He watches servants and punishes thieves, and also survives those who do not like him.

No city festival can do without the image of a ghost, and its name is not only the pleasure boats and sightseeing buses, but also one of the varieties of fragrant beer.

What else to see?

Around the water-enclosed Schwerin castle in Germany, a luxurious park complex in classic English style is broken. Creating a mysterious atmosphere, the shady garden is full of interesting sculptures, wonderful fountains, spacious terraces, bright flower beds, mysterious caves.

Inside the outstanding monument of architecture is the museum, as well as a cozy cafe in the greenhouse of the park. Near the historical landmark is the pier, from which those wishing to go on an exciting boat trip to view the elegant building with water.

Today, the most beautiful construction, connected with land by two bridges, becomes the center of urban cultural events: an opera festival is held here, and the Mecklenburg State Theater plays plays.

Opening hours and cost of entry

From October to April, the fabulously looking Schwerin Castle in Schwerin (Germany) welcomes guests from 10.00 to 17.00, and from May to September - until 6.00. However, during holidays, the work time often changes, and it is necessary to update the data on the official website. Cognitive excursions are held twice a day.

Admission costs for adults - 6 euros, children can visit Schwerin Castle in Schwerin for free.

Reviews of tourists

Tourists who have visited the beautiful outside and inside the architectural monument, admit that they rarely saw such splendor. The castle standing on the island can be admired from different angles, and especially it is beautiful when it is lit by golden sun rays.

In addition, guests experience not only aesthetic pleasure, but also enjoy the culinary art of the chefs at the cafe-restaurant, located inside the stunning masterpiece of architecture.

And those who did not have enough emotions, can participate in the chivalric tournaments, often held on the shore of a picturesque lake.