HISTORY
Major parts of the current castle were built between 1845 and 1857, as a cooperation of the renowned historicist architects Gottfried Semper, Friedrich August Stüler, Georg Adolf Demmler and Ernst Friedrich Zwirner. The castle is regarded as one of the most important works of romantic historicism in Europe and is designated to become a World Heritage Site. It is nicknamed the "Neuschwanstein of the North".
First archaeological traces of a fortress - 942
date of city founding- 1160
oldest parts of the castle - 16th century
castle as we see it today- 1857
The oldest traces date back to 942, though archaeologists are sure there have been people living in the area for thousands of years. In 1160 a fortress of slavic tribes (the Obotrit tribe) has been conquered by an army of soldiers commanded by the famous medieval lord Heinrich der Löwe, duke of Bavaria and Saxony. 1160 therefore became the official founding date of Schwerin.
As a whole the Castle of Schwerin is several hundred years old. When it had been built and restored in the 19th century using parts of an older castle especially those dating from the Renaissance have been integrated into the new building. Newer parts like the famous big tower, the golden dome and the front portal date from 1847 to 1857.
Schwerin Castle was built between 1847 and 1857 by Grand Duke Friedrich Franz II. of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. The court of the Grandduchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin moved into the castle in May 1857. Schwerin Castle has been designed in most parts by Georg Adolf Demmler, an architect that was member of the society around worldfamous Prussian master builders Semper, Stüler and Schinkel. Semper (who built the world famous Semper Opera in Dresden) in fact planned the big tower of Schwerin castle, while Stüler is in many parts the architect of the fascade that the castle of Schwerin shows towards the city.
In most other countries of the German territory the power of nobility and the old ruling houses declined in the middle of the 19th century. After the war against Napoleon civil society started to fight for more rights and political power. Especially industry, trade and finance where growing rapidly and soon threatened the old structure of society. Despite that, in Mecklenburg Western Pommerania Schwerin castle was built. It is one of the last true residence palaces in Germany.
Schwerin castle was built in place of an older building. The place was very symbolic because for hundreds of years there had been a fortress on the island in Schwerin lake. Schwerin castle like we see it now, was built because the old one was barely inhabitable and moreover not suitable for a Grand Duchy. The court had moved to Schwerin 5 years before, but the old castle was in such a bad condition, that Friedrichs father planned to demolish the castle completely and to build a new palace several hundred meters away from the castle island. In 1842 the father of Friedrich Franz II. died suddenly because of pneumonia. Friedrich was a student of law in Bonn and only 19 years old, when he at once became Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. Young Grandduke Friedrich finally decided to have his castle built right on the old castle island and to keep some parts of the older fortress. This castle should be a sign to every one who saw it: Schwerin Castle is the place where the royal family of Mecklenburg-Schwerin had ruled for ages and they would keep ruling over Mecklenburg despite the difficult times that nobility in Germany was going through.
The young Grandduke ordered the master builder Georg Adolf Demmler to plan a new castle for him, that was modern, but still reminded of the great heritage of the grandducal family. In the 19th century architecture was famous that recited styles of former times, like ancient Greek and Roman style or medieval styles. This was called Historism and it seemed to try to evoke the "good old times", when noble life and society was still in order. Demmler was more of a modern architect, with a perference for the elegance and simplicity of prussian Neoclassicism and of Tudor Gothic. He had real trouble to find a design that pleased the Grand Duke. He was sent on a trip through Europe to find inspiration in other European Castles. Demmler finally found a good example at the river Loire. Castle Chambord became a model for the castle of Schwerin.
The new building kept some parts of the older castle that dated back to the 16th Century. Therefore the style that emerged as a whole became Neorenaissance.
GARDEN
The castle garden in Schwerin is considered as one of the most impressive baroque gardens in Northern Germany. Wherever you go and wherever you look, you will see something new, perfectly arranged, with a great attention to detail. The castle garden offers the best of garden design on 1.8 hectares: elements of English landscape design by the lakeside of the island, followed by Italian architecture towards the Palace building with its terraces, typical of Roman parks and villas.
Originally constructed as a French-style pleasance, the garden began to transform in 1748. Architect Jean Legeay envisioned the cross channel to be the center, surrounded by sculptures from the manufacture of the famous Saxon sculptor Balthasar Permoser.
Based on plans by Lenné (the Prussian "Gardening Pope") the garden was expanded in the 19th century. While the general atmosphere remained baroque, the immediate surroundings, including the Greenhouse Garden and the shore area of the lake, became a classical English design. Today, the garden spans across more than 50 acres that are waiting to be explored and will let you experience highlights from several eras of ducal horticulture.
CURRENT SITUATION
Surrounded by a wonderful landscape composed of lakes and forests Schwerin Castle looks like a fairy tale castle come true. It is the landmark for the town of Schwerin and even more for the whole of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Until about 100 years ago it has been the ducal residence of the Grandduke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. Today it is still the center of power in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, because it is the seat of parliament. You can visit the museum at Schwerin Castle.
Schwerin Castle is one of the most significant architectural creations of the romantic historicism era in Europe. The castle rises monumental and majestic into the sky and despite its size with 635 separate rooms the castle seems light and graceful due to its incredible love for detail. Numerous windows, corners, columns, oriels, balustrades, golden ornaments and figures divide only add to its beauty.The magnificent living and ball rooms, including the throne room and ancestor gallery, will impress you with their large collections of plastic and picturesque decorations.
On the floors, the museum exhibits include precious paintings, sculptures, and crafts mainly from Schwerin’s most glamorous era, the 19th century. Special highlights are the porcelain collection, the newly opened silver chamber, as well as the extensive collection of ducal hunting and parade weapons.
Though the Palace outshines almost everything around it, there is one more attraction on that island which you shouldn’t miss. To the left of the main entrance, walking through the castle garden, you will find the charming orangery. It is a delicate construction made of cast iron and glass, a unique example of 19th century architecture and one of a kind in Germany. With its parkways, arcades, flower beds, sculptures, and the cross channel the baroque-style castle garden knows how to impress. The garden is public and open to visitors.
