Everyone has probably ever heard of Siegfried - the winner of the Nibelungs, mastered their treasure - the gold of the Rhine. This is one of the central characters of the German and Scandinavian mythology - the embodiment of an ideal character who loves girls and respected man. The most famous epic with Siegfried in the title role - is, of course, "The Song of the Nibelungs and" repeatedly immortalized in poems, paintings, music (well, who does not know Wagner?)
One of the most important episodes of the legend of Siegfried is the victory over the dragon. At the same time Siegfried seems to be clear - the saga tells some detail about his life, death and heroic deeds. And what about the dragon? Where did he come from, what he lived, dreamed about? At least, the first question can be answered: here it is, the legendary resting place of the legendary dragon - drachenburg castle on the Rhine near Bonn.
He lived, of course, not in the castle, and in the so-called "Dragon Cave» (Dachenhölle) beside him. But still, a visit to the castle and the surrounding attractions fanned legend of the Nibelungs, just want to start from Monday to engage in sports, to become stronger and defeat the dragon.
On closer inspection, it turns out, however, that the castle to this epic is not, to put it mildly, no relation. He built it in the late 19th century (from 1882 to 1884 accelerated pace!) Stockbroker Stephan von Sarter, which is the fashion of the time, loved Wagner and fond of the heroic epic. In this sense, drachenburg similar to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, which was built in the second half of the 19th century in the same style of the pseudo "neoromantiki". The antiquity in this case, can not speak, but the locks, at least, turned out beautifully.
History of drachenburg quite touching. Background Sarter (by the way, the typical speculator and nouveau riche, nazhivshiysya, including on the construction of the Suez Canal) dedicated his lovely lady, his youthful love, which had hoped to live in a romantic fairy-tale castle. Unfortunately, the beloved woman died before the end of construction, so the background Sarter the castle has not moved. So he lived in Paris until his death.
Castle went to his nephew, who was not taken aback and immediately opened drachenburg visitors taking entrance fee - it had to be somehow recoup and maintain.In the 20th century here settled first Catholic, then regular school, then it was partially destroyed during the war, then it was transferred to the state. On the content it lacked money, and in 1971 the castle was sold to private owners. The new owner restored it and opened again for visitors.
It is not known when drachenburg "appointed" home of the dragon of the saga of Siegfried. Apparently, under the influence of Wagner's opera cycle "Der Ring des Nibelungen." Anyway, built with nephew background Sartera guest houses are the names of the characters of the saga: Wotan, Brunhilda, Siegfried, Valkyrie, etc.
On the other hand, dragon themes present in this place long before construction drachenburg. The fact that the castle was built just below another castle - Drahenfelza (translated as "dragon rock"), from which there is little that ostalos.Snizu from the valley, it looks like. Drahenfelz at the top.
Drahenfelz built back in the 10th century, and already a legend of the time, a dragon lived on this rock, hence the name. But it is doubtful whether it was the dragon, which defeated Siegfried. Perhaps, after all, the other because in medieval representations of dragons in Europe were carried out, and they can be found in different places.
By the way, here's a 13-meter dragon sculpture "Dragon Cave"
It's hard to say what was the artistic intent of the author, but mimics the dragon some "unheroic"....
But back in drachenburg. You can get there either by walking, climbing a mountain or in a trailer for the money, or on such's donkeys (in this case a matter of convenience and comfort aside)
First, you can climb the Drahenfelz offering wonderful even in the bad weather of the Rhine.
And this is from the height looks very drachenburg.
Now let's see what's inside. Background Starter spared no expense in the design, but, of course, did not reconstruct some ancient interiery, because the castle was supposed to live permanently.
Immediately close to the castle there is the Nibelungen Hall, dedicated to Wagner and his opera cycle. There are mainly paintings depicting various scenes from the operas.
But in the "Dragon Cave" is a small reptile zoo. That is to say, the degenerate descendants of dragons. There's all sorts of snakes and lizards.
Drachenburg - one of the most "fabulous" looking castles in Germany, so that the aesthetic pleasure of his visit, you will definitely get it. Especially if you do not pursue the historical authenticity.
