Neuschwanstein Castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, with construction beginning in 1869. Ludwig, often called the "Fairytale King," did not build the castle for defense or statecraft; rather, it was a deeply personal retreat intended as a monument to the culture of the Middle Ages and the operatic works of his friend, Richard Wagner. The King revered the concept of the absolute monarchy and sought to create a theatrical world where he could withdraw from the realities of modern 19th-century governance. While the exterior looks like a medieval fortress, the interior was built with the most advanced technology of the day, including central heating, flushing toilets, and an electric bell system for servants. Tragically, Ludwig only lived in the unfinished castle for 172 days before his mysterious death in 1886. Shortly after his passing, the castle—once intended as a private sanctuary—was opened to the public.