See Oberammergau and the fairytale castles of Bavaria
Watch the once-in-a-decade Passion Play with a top TV historian
IN 1633, as an outbreak of Black Death wreaked its grim toll, the villagers of Oberammergau in southern Bavaria made an extraordinary promise. If God spared them, they vowed, they would re-enact the last days of Jesus’s life every ten years in gratitude.
They were indeed spared – and almost four centuries on, the residents of Oberammergau remain true to their word. The 42nd staging of the Passion Play is due to take place in 2020.
You can see this rare and moving spectacle on our exclusive tour, which will take in both the play and the astonishing surrounding area, including the castles and palaces built by ‘mad’ King Ludwig II in the 19th Century.
One of Britain’s most insightful and entertaining cultural broadcasters, Andrew Graham-Dixon, will join you during the tour, giving his insights into the artistic riches of Bavaria. He says: ‘I’m really looking forward to this trip – especially the visit to Neuschwanstein, the world’s most spectacular fairytale castle.’
REASONS TO BOOK The once-a-decade Passion Play
THE Oberammergau play is famous around the world. In the 19th Century, the future King Edward VII tried to pay an incognito visit, and presidents, archbishops and all manner of notable cultural figures have been coming to watch since – for the 41st staging of the play in 2010, German Chancellor Angela Merkel was among the spectators.
And no wonder the production is so famous: it is an incredible undertaking, involving half the town’s residents, as they tell the story of Christ from his entry into Jerusalem to the Resurrection.
Meet Andrew Graham-Dixon
POPULAR art historian and broadcaster Andrew Graham-Dixon will join us on this exclusive trip, appearing at Neuschwanstein Castle. Andrew will take part in a Q&A session and talk about the castle, which he described as ‘one of the most spectacular German monuments’ in his brilliant BBC series The Art Of Germany. Through it, you will find out more of the story of King Ludwig II, who effectively bankrupted Bavaria to construct his ambitious Romantic buildings.
Bavarian castles
BEYOND Neuschwanstein, you will also see Herrenchiemsee Palace, which was inspired by Ludwig’s visit to the Palace of Versailles. This is no less elaborate: 35 seamstresses apparently spent seven years sewing the cover for the Royal bed. The palace’s gilded Hall of Mirrors, best seen by candlelight, is arguably even more impressive than the original at Versailles.
Expert talks
AS WELL as enjoying an exclusive private talk from our special guest expert, the art historian Andrew Graham-Dixon, you will hear from a local history expert in Oberammergau, who will explain the extraordinary story behind the Passion Play and how it continues to capture our imagination.
Excellent hotels
YOU will stay in fine accommodation throughout your tour, particularly the Schlosshotel Linderhof near Linderhof Castle, which has a majestic setting. Tickets and good accommodation in the Oberammergau area are very limited around this time, so early booking is highly recommended.