Seeing Ludwigsburg Palace In Germany for the first time rendered me a bit speechless.
Yes, not something that happens that often, but can you imagine turning a corner and seeing this breathtaking palace. I can imagine it is just as breathtaking in the day, but all lit up at night it is utterly stunning. It reminded me of something out of war and peace. And was one of those moments in life I wanted to run all the way to the door, but had to remain calm and collected and walk in with our wonderful guide Mechthild and Stuart.
I do love a castle or palace, if I am honest the grander the better. I think it’s the imagining what life must have been like being a Grand Dame of Queen than appeals to my imagination and romantic side.
And if you want grand then Ludwigsburg Palace will not disappoint. Initially build for Duke Eberhard Ludwig as a hunting lodge in 1704. However when the palace became his main residence he extended it to 4 wings to make a more impressive square structure. And has remained unharmed throughout history, which is somewhat of a miracle.
What really struck me was how intertwined all of our history and royal families really are. There were paintings and statues of many monarchs from all over Europe dating way back. The history was just astounding and so interesting.
From recent experience I truly believe guided tours are the way forward when visiting such historic sites. Without this tour we would have missed out on so much of its colourful and gripping history.
It was like being part of a period drama
The passion and knowledge that Mechthild had for the palace, made the trip so very special. And its trips and tours like this that make me feel the need to pinch myself to see if I am really experiencing something so surreal. Such as a private guided tour in the dark in a real palace. It was most certainly one of those ‘am I really here moments’.
I imagine Ludwigsburg Palace will take on a whole new appeal in daylight. With the sun shining through those huge windows it will deliver a whole new perspective. However, I am so glad I visited in the dark, the shadows and reflections and silent eeriness gave the palace and different dimension that felt romantic and so very beautiful. You could almost feel the secrets it must have hidden in the shadows. Walking the corridors that so many Dukes, kings and Queens walked, including Napoleon, and our very own Queen. It felt like such an honour, and with every door that opened, a different set of shadows made me gasp, I really was quite giddy to be there.
However I left feeling I have unfinished business with Ludwigsburg Palace, you see as much as I would never ever in a million years change this experience. I so want to see it in the day. To walk the fairy gardens, see the day light shine on the crystal that hangs everywhere.
But if you have only ever seen Ludwigsburg Palace in the day, then you need to see it in the shadows. Trust me you will not be disappointed it is truly special. And if you are visiting Stuttgart then this is one tour and town I would not miss out.
It’s beautiful Sarah I can see why it took your breath away – gorgeous photos xxx
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Amy it was just stunning I loved my trip there x
Oh my word, this is so beautiful!
Stevie x
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Ah thanks Stevie it was so beautiful it took my breath away x
It looks like such an amazing place to visit and HOW big!! I always imagine royalty of days gone by living there too and always get caught up in the detail. A tour guide is so important isn’t it? You definitely learn so much more!
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Oh yes you do and our guide was so wonderful Tas it was such a great experience x
How beautiful! I get so used to only seeing places by day that it’s great to see them by night too.
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I know Tim it was such a special experience all those gorgeous lights and shadows, the palace took on a whole different perspective x
Oh wow! That is stunning! What beautiful photos. It looks a fantastic place to visit…..
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Thanks Kim it is, I cant wait to go back x
A wonderful looking Palace inside and out
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Thanks Fiona it is, I just loved the tour it was incredible x
Oh wow – I haven’t heard of this castle before. Neuschwanstein in Bavaria is my favourite #MySundayPhoto
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Thank you Natalie it is such a beautiful Palace x
Wow what an amazing looking Palace to visit
Thank you for linking up
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Thanks Darren it is such a wonderful city, the whole region is, I loved it there x
I love a good castle! Love the long hallways and your chandelier pictures do a great job highlighting them.
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Ah thanks so much Brooke, I know there were so many corridors like this, each as beautiful as the next x
Lovely pictures. I particularly like the shots of all the lighting.
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Thanks you, I know I could shop looking at all the gorgeous lights x
It looks like a fantastic place full of grandeur and beauty, I can see why you enjoyed your visit so much. Such lovely photos.
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Anne it is just so incredible it almost makes you feel you are back in time x
That is an extremely beautiful place! Such stunning photos too
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Thank you so much it is very easy in such a beautiful place x
What a stunning place, I’d be in my element there #MySundayPhoto
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Mary it is so gorgeous I am sure you would love it, it is almost impossible not to x
Stunning photos, it looks like a wonderful place to visit
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It is an amazing place to visit and tour was so special x
I can totally see why it took your breath away Sarah, what an amazing place to visit. Gorgeous pictures too x
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Ah thanks Tracey, it really is just beautiful x
What a stunning place – such beautiful images x
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Thank you it is just so beautiful x
what an absolutely glorious place. lovely photos.
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Thanks so much Sherry, it was x
I think my mouth would be hanging wide open the entire time while walking through a place like this! The sheer size is impressive, let alone the ornate decor and architectural designs! I’ve never yet visited a real castle or palace, but I’d love to one day!
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Oh Rachel it is, it totally blew my mind such a wonderful moment x
very beautiful! #mondayescapes
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Thank you x
What an incredible experience – the stautes must have seemed very ghostly at night. Beautiful pictures. #MondayEscapes
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It was quite eerie but so beautiful, they way the light fell was just magical x
Love the chandeliers! What a great place to explore!
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It was a wonderful place to explore I loved it x
What a beautiful place and fantastic to have a private tour. Those chandeliers are awesome. I don’t think I’ve ever visited a palace or castle at night. There must be a completely different atmosphere to during the day. I can understand why you’d want to return #MondayEscapes
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I know Claire it was wonderful it felt like such a special treat x
Now that’s a palace! My 17-year-old and I are off to Neuschwanstein for her 18th. To say we are looking forward to it is a serious understatement!
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Oh wow you will love it, have a wonderful time x
Forgot to add #MondayEscapes !
I agree with tania – that rally is a palace. I know why you are thinking of heading back there this summer. You saw some fab things. Lovely photos too.
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Yes I did Karen it is a wonderful region x
Wow, that is quite a palace! It’s interesting that it began as a hunting lodge, as did Versailles. The size and opulence is striking. Would love to go visit ourselves!
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Oh you would love it, it has such an interesting History and I would definitely recommend a tour x
What a place! I completely agree that night time is the best time to visit this palace. Love your photos. #mondayescapes
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Ah thanks so much Joanne, oh it was so incredible I loved visiting so much x
gorgeous palace! #citytripping
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Thanks x
I’ve been to the Ludwigsburg Palace, but only for the annual Pumpkin Festival they hold, and now I’m sad we didn’t go in! Guess we’ll just need to go back! #CityTripping
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Ooh I bet that is incredible I would love to see it, and yes it is so worth going back for x
How beautiful seeing the palace lit up at night. A very impressive building and interesting to get a different perspective at night time. The chandeliers are something else. Guided tours are worth doing! Thanks for linking to #citytripping
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Oh they so are Elizabeth it was such a special tour I just loved it x
I would really love to go on this walk. The Ludwigsburg Palace seems outstanding!