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

Ettal, Venus Grotto – man-made dripstone cave with scenes from Wagner's 'Tannhäuser' ©DZT/Bayerische Verwaltung der Staatlichen Schlösser, Gärten und Seen (Ernst Wrba)
Ludwigsburg, 'Favorite' Palace – baroque summer residence and hunting lodge ©DZT/Bayerische Verwaltung der Staatlichen Schlösser, Gärten und Seen (Ernst Wrba)
Albrechtsburg Castle, Meissen ©DZT
Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz
Bayreuth, fountain at Fantaisie Palace ©DZT/Stiftung Preussische Schlösser und Gärten Berlin-Brandenburg (Michael Pasdzior)
Isselburg, Anholt moated castle ©panthermedia
Gardens of Kleve (Cleves)
Bad Liebenstein, Altenstein Palace ©Fritz Mader
Fulda, mirrored hall in the palace ©DZT
Hannover, Herrenhausen Gardens – baroque Great Garden ©imago (imagebroker)
Dresden, large vase in Zwinger Palace ©DZT/Staatliche Schlösser, Burgen und Gärten Sachsen (Bildarchiv Monheim)
Berlin, Glienicke Palace & Park – fountain in the garden courtyard ©Helmut Berns
Moselkern, Eltz Castle ©DZT
Haidenau, Grosssedlitz Baroque Garden ©DZT/Staatliche Schlösser, Burgen und Gärten Sachsen (Bildarchiv Monheim)
Dresden, Brühl Terrace on the River Elbe ©DZT
Potsdam, Chinese tea house in Sanssouci Park ©DZT (Ernst Wrba)
Mainau Island, Italianate flower cascade and Renaissance garden ©DZT/Schloss Fasanerie (Bildarchiv Monheim)
Herrenchiemsee Palace, hall of mirrors and magnificently decorated hallway ©DZT/Bayerische Verwaltung der Staatlichen Schlösser, Gärten und Seen (Ernst Wrba)
Höxter, Corvey Palace and Abbey ©DZT/Herrenhäuser Gärten (Michael Pasdzior)
Pattensen, Marienburg Castle – entrance to the inner courtyard ©DZT/Bayerische Verwaltung der Staatlichen Schlösser, Gärten und Seen (Ernst Wrba)

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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.