Neuschwanstein Castle (German: Schloss [formerly Schloß] Neuschwanstein, lit. New Swan Stone palace; pronounce [nɔɪˈʃvaːnʃtaɪ̯n]) is a 19th-century Bavarian palace. Located on a mountain top in Germany, near Hohenschwangau and Füssen in southwest Bavaria, Swabia, the palace was built by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat and as a homage to Richard Wagner, the King's inspiring muse. Although public photography of the interior is not permitted, it is the most photographed building in Germany and is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations.