Famous figures: from Augustus the Strong to the 'green prince'

Herrenchiemsee Palace, hall of mirrors and magnificently decorated hallway ©DZT/Bayerische Verwaltung der Staatlichen Schlösser, Gärten und Seen (Ernst Wrba)
Dresden, Moritzburg Palace ©Kammermusik Festival Schloss Moritzburg e.V. (Jan Gutzeit)
Jüchen, Dyck Castle
Albrechtsburg Castle, Meissen ©panthermedia
Mainau Island, Italianate flower cascade and Renaissance garden ©DZT (Ernst Wrba)
Gardens of Kleve (Cleves) ©imago (imagebroker)
Isselburg, Anholt moated castle ©DZT/Fürstlich Salm-Salm'sche Verwaltung (Mark Wohlrab)
Höxter, Corvey Palace and Abbey
Fulda, mirrored hall in the palace ©DZT/Schloss Fasanerie (Bildarchiv Monheim)
Schwangau, Neuschwanstein Castle ©DZT (Ernst Wrba)
Ludwigsburg, 'Favorite' Palace – baroque summer residence and hunting lodge ©DZT/Vermögen und Bau Baden-Württemberg Ref. Staatliche Schlösser und Gärten (Ernst Wrba)
Bad Liebenstein, Altenstein Palace ©imago (F. Berger)
Goslar, Imperial Palace ©DZT (Hans Peter Merten)
Dresden, Pillnitz Palace and park – upper and riverside palaces ©DZT/Staatliche Schlösser, Burgen und Gärten Sachsen (Bildarchiv Monheim)
Ettal, Venus Grotto – man-made dripstone cave with scenes from Wagner's 'Tannhäuser' ©DZT/Bayerische Verwaltung der Staatlichen Schlösser, Gärten und Seen (Ernst Wrba)
Dresden, Brühl Terrace on the River Elbe ©DZT (Jochen Keute)
Pattensen, Marienburg Castle – entrance to the inner courtyard ©DZT/Verwaltung Schloss Marienburg (Michael Pasdzior)
Potsdam, Babelsberg Palace ©DZT (Fritz Mader)
Haidenau, Grosssedlitz Baroque Garden ©imago (euroluftbild.de)

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Many of Germany's palaces and gardens were established as private residences and retreats. The way in which they were designed reflects the legacies and family heritage of some of the most famous figures in German history.

Muskau Park, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, owes its existence to a trip to England made by the 'green prince' Hermann von Pückler-Muskau. The origins of Neuschwanstein Castle go back to Ludwig II of Bavaria's obsession with Richard Wagner. That Neuschwanstein was never completed is blamed on Ludwig's removal from the throne and early death. Many such stories surround the castles and palaces of Germany.

See Dresden through the eyes of Augustus the Strong or follow the trail of Old Fritz at Sanssouci Palace and Park. Discover the men behind the architecture.