When children are learning a foreign language, learning about the culture and heritage of a country is a great way to maintain interest and enthusiasm for the language.  We thought a good place to start would be to share some of the beautiful architecture and national heritage buildings of Europe. So we are beginning our series with Castles ... because let's face it, who doesn't love a good castle!

Over the next few weeks we'll be giving you some interesting snippets about a few of the most beautiful and famous castles around Europe. From France, Spain, Italy and beginning in Germany.

Neuschwanstein in Germany was the inspiration for Walt Disney's famous castle!

The construction of Neuschwanstein was begun in 1869, by King Ludwig II as a tribute to the talent of composer Richard Wagner.  When construction began, Ludwig envisaged being able to move into Neuschwanstien castle within three years but more than a decade later Neuschwanstein castle was still not complete. And although the castle was devoted to the life and work of Richard Wagner, Wagner died in 1883 never having set foot in the building.  A year after Wagner's death, Ludwig decided to move in, even though the structure was still unfinished, and in the end only lived in the palace for a total of 172 days.  Construction continued for another 8 years after Ludwig's death but when it finally stopped only a third of the rooms had been finished and decorated.  Go here to see more about Neuschwantein castle.