Fairy-Tale Palaces That Inspired Disney's Castles Get World Heritage Status
The decision, made by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee during its 47th session in Paris, recognises the architectural and cultural significance of King Ludwig II's 19th-century palaces.
Construction began at Neuschwanstein in 1869, but the project was never completed, and building work halted when the Bavarian king died in 1886.
The castle is now one of the most popular tourist sites in Germany, receiving roughly 1.4 million visitors per year. It inspired the Disney castle logo after Walt Disney visited in the 1950s.
Bavarian state premier Markus Soeder described the designation as a "worldwide accolade," calling Neuschwanstein "Bavaria's landmark par excellence."
"For our fairy-tale castles, a fairy tale comes true," he said in a statement.
Neuschwanstein combined great art and culture and also a bit of "kitsch and cliché," he said.
"When seeing the castle, some people worldwide may think of Disney - but no: Neuschwanstein is and remains the original from Bavaria."
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Indian Express
41 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
Heritage tag may bring more tourists to gingee
VILLUPURAM: The Gingee Fort in Villupuram district, which was one of, if not the most, impregnable forts in the country during the 17th and 18th centuries, has been inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage list as part of the 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India' that included 11 more forts from Maharashtra. With the site soon to find a spot on the global tourism map, the inclusion has raised hopes of tourism-oriented development in the historically rich but economically underdeveloped region. The fortifications, spread over three hills of eastern ghats, with the tallest being Rajagiri, has been a stronghold of several dynasties, including the Vijayanagar Nayaks, the Bijapuri Sultans, the Mughals, the Marathas, the French, and even the British. However, one of the documents submitted by the union government for the Unesco recognition said, 'Its last layer of Maratha Fortifications is well documented as one of the most significant defence systems.' Collector Sheik Abdul Rahman told TNIE the recognition paves way for developing the site for visitors from across the country and abroad. While its impregnability due to its location is what makes it a remarkable piece of architecture, it is the same factor that makes it difficult to access for visitors, requiring a tedious trek. The site, at present, lacked adequate amenities. Writer and archaeology enthusiast K Senguttuvan said, 'It is a happy moment for us who have been longing for attention regarding the archaeological and historical significance of Villupuram district.' Asked what measures the ASI would be taking following the Unesco recognition, Sushanta Karan, superintending archaeologist, ASI, Chennai Circle, told TNIE, 'World Heritage Monument tag means visitors will come from various countries. The central government and ASI would decide about additional measures in due course.' Villupuram MP D Ravikumar appreciated the efforts of the state government, and the district administration, in aiding to secure this recognition. (With inputs from T Muruganantham @ Chennai)
NDTV
8 hours ago
- NDTV
Fairy-Tale Palaces That Inspired Disney's Castles Get World Heritage Status
Bavaria's fairy-tale royal castles, including Neuschwanstein, Herrenchiemsee and Linderhof, have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list, officials said on Saturday. The decision, made by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee during its 47th session in Paris, recognises the architectural and cultural significance of King Ludwig II's 19th-century palaces. Construction began at Neuschwanstein in 1869, but the project was never completed, and building work halted when the Bavarian king died in 1886. The castle is now one of the most popular tourist sites in Germany, receiving roughly 1.4 million visitors per year. It inspired the Disney castle logo after Walt Disney visited in the 1950s. Bavarian state premier Markus Soeder described the designation as a "worldwide accolade," calling Neuschwanstein "Bavaria's landmark par excellence." "For our fairy-tale castles, a fairy tale comes true," he said in a statement. Neuschwanstein combined great art and culture and also a bit of "kitsch and cliché," he said. "When seeing the castle, some people worldwide may think of Disney - but no: Neuschwanstein is and remains the original from Bavaria." (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Time of India
Conservation plans now for forts in 25km radius of Salher after Unesco recognition
Nashik: Following the addition of Salher fort in Nashik district to the Unesco World Heritage list, the state govt's Directorate of Archaeology and Museums has targeted the conservation of several forts within the 25km radius of the fort. Amol Gote, the assistant director of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, said: "It is the best thing to happen that the Maratha military landscape in India received international recognition, and Salher from Nashik is one of the forts. This has added to the responsibility of the district administration and even the archaeology department to develop the forts of the 'family' that fall in the buffer zone." "Forts including Mulher (already in the conservation list), Nhavi Gad, Morgadh, Hargad, and Bhilai will also be conserved. The forts around any important fort are always part of the security plan to ensure the main fort always remains protected; therefore, these will also be conserved, and they will be part of the study of the Military landscape," Gote said. The development plan for the next 10 years is in place. As part of this, the district administration, with the help of various govt departments, will have to construct roads, toilet blocks, maintain cleanliness, and provide security guards to ensure the safety of visitors and keep all kinds of social miscreants away from the sites, making them safe for tourists. The villages around will also be subject to developments strictly governed by the guidelines of Unesco, for which there would be frequent visits by the authorities. "There will be visits by people of international repute who are particular about recording their observations. Hence, the administration will closely look into the developments," Gote said. The district-level committee will be tasked with monitoring developments in the buffer zone ( the area around the fort concerned), preparing disaster management and development plans with the help of locals, setting up eateries and signages, an interpretation centre, and others at the foothills of the fort. The effort also includes training locals as guides, preparing and conducting rescue operations, and much more.
