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

Berlin, Glienicke Palace & Park – fountain in the garden courtyard ©DZT/Stiftung Preussische Schlösser und Gärten Berlin-Brandenburg (Michael Pasdzior)
Höxter, Corvey Palace and Abbey
Albrechtsburg Castle, Meissen ©panthermedia
Gardens of Kleve (Cleves) ©imago (imagebroker)
Isselburg, Anholt moated castle ©DZT/Fürstlich Salm-Salm'sche Verwaltung (Mark Wohlrab)
Haidenau, Grosssedlitz Baroque Garden ©imago (euroluftbild.de)
Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz
Dresden, Brühl Terrace on the River Elbe ©DZT (Jochen Keute)
Schwangau, Neuschwanstein Castle ©DZT (Ernst Wrba)
Herrenchiemsee Palace, hall of mirrors and magnificently decorated hallway ©DZT/Bayerische Verwaltung der Staatlichen Schlösser, Gärten und Seen (Ernst Wrba)
Bayreuth, fountain at Fantaisie Palace ©DZT/Bayerische Verwaltung der Staatlichen Schlösser, Gärten und Seen (Ernst Wrba)
Potsdam, Chinese tea house in Sanssouci Park ©DZT/Stiftung Preussische Schlösser und Gärten Berlin-Brandenburg (Michael Pasdzior)
Jüchen, Dyck Castle
Dresden, Moritzburg Palace ©Kammermusik Festival Schloss Moritzburg e.V. (Jan Gutzeit)
Coesfeld, Nordkirchen Palace & Park ©DZT (Rainer Kiedrowski)
Fulda, mirrored hall in the palace ©DZT/Schloss Fasanerie (Bildarchiv Monheim)
Moselkern, Eltz Castle ©DZT (Photo-Center Greiner & Meyer)
Mainau Island, Italianate flower cascade and Renaissance garden ©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)

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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.